Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, UK close their consulates in Istanbul over security concerns

The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, and the United Kingdom have temporarily closed their consulates in Istanbul as a security precaution.

Ekleme: 01.02.2023 12:36:25 / Güncelleme: 01.02.2023 12:36:25 / English News / İstanbul Haberleri
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The countries decided to close their consulates as further protests outside EU and NATO nations' diplomatic missions are likely in Istanbul and Ankara through early February.

The unrest relates to the burning of the Quran in Stockholm by a far-right provocateur from Denmark on January 21.

Multiple foreign governments have issued terrorism warnings related to the issue.

On Monday, the US government warned its citizens in Istanbul, citing possible retaliatory attacks against “churches, synagogues, and diplomatic missions in Istanbul or other places Westerners frequent, especially in the Beyoglu, Galata, Taksim, and Istiklal areas.”.

Far-right provocateur Rasmus Paludan burned a copy of Holy Quran under the protection of Danish police in front of a mosque in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, marking his second Quran-burning attack in one week.

He also said that he would burn a copy of the Muslim holy book every Friday until Sweden is included in the NATO alliance.

The vile attack on Holy Quran triggered massive protests across Islamic World, especially in Türkiye. (ILKHA)