The riots were sparked after the Linköping Municipality approved a demonstration by Danish right-wing extremist Rasmus Paludan and his Stram Kurs (Hard Course) party. He is known for numerous anti-Islamic actions and announced that he would burn the Koran.
Although the event ultimately did not take place, the police were attacked by masked or hooded youths shouting “Allahs Akbar”. Police car windows were smashed. Three injured police officers had to be taken to a hospital, two cars burned out. The riots continued in Norrköping, 40 kilometers away, where another Stram Kurs event was planned.
Two years ago, an ice travel ban was imposed on Rasmus Paludan in connection with an intended burning of the Koran in Malmö. He accused the other hand with the argument that he also had Swedish citizenship. This objection was upheld and the entry ban lifted.
