Koran burnings

Iraqi remains in Sweden for the time being despite deportation

Protest in Iraq against the Koran burnings(Bild: Viennareport)

An Iraqi man who fled to Sweden and publicly burned several editions of the Koran last year was supposed to be deported. In the end, an administrative court formally confirmed the man's deportation. However, he is allowed to remain in the country out of concern for his safety.

The Iraqi has been granted a temporary residence permit. The decision by the immigration authority Migrationsverket to revoke the residence permit originally granted to the Iraqi-born man as well as his refugee status was lawful, the administrative court in Stockholm declared on Wednesday.

Iraqi deliberately made false statements during asylum check
It is assumed that the man was involved in serious criminal offenses, it added. According to the court, the immigration authorities had provided sufficient evidence that the man had deliberately made false statements and omitted important information during the asylum check. His residence permit had therefore been issued on false grounds.

The Iraqi was also investigated for possible incitement to hatred.(Bild: APA/AFP/TT News Agency/Caisa RASMUSSEN)

Due to his activities in Sweden, however, it is currently too dangerous for the man to return to Iraq. He could therefore not be sent back for the time being. He will therefore be given a temporary residence permit. However, according to the immigration authorities, his crimes were so serious that he could not be granted protection as a refugee again.

Protests in Muslim states
The Iraqi's activities led to angry reactions in Muslim countries. As a result, Sweden had to fight fierce diplomatic tensions with several countries. The man was also investigated in Sweden for possible incitement to hatred.