(NL Times) Arnhem Mayor Ahmed Marcouch plans to firmly press national politicians for a national ban on Quran burnings. He thinks such a burning is “a poisonous act that leads to others being provoked,” he said on Wednesday during a City Council debate.
He was speaking about the attempt by Pegida leader Edwin Wagensveld to burn a Quran on January 13 in Arnhem, a protest which got out of control. Marcouch warned on Wednesday evening against “toxic polarization” and said he advocates more respect for each other’s opinions and views.
According to Marcouch, partly in view of national security, “a limit may have been reached with the burning of holy books.” He was in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before and after the action in Arnhem.
