The Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, decided on Thursday, July 20, 2023, to expel the Swedish ambassador to Baghdad, Jessica Svardstrom.

The Prime Minister's media office stated in a tweet, "He directs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to withdraw the Iraqi chargé d'affaires from the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the Swedish capital, Stockholm."

He added, "He also directed the Swedish ambassador in Baghdad to leave Iraqi territory, in response to the repeated allowance by the Swedish government for the burning of the Holy Quran, disrespect to Islamic sanctities, and the burning of the Iraqi flag."

Previously, al-Sudani chaired an emergency meeting following the Swedish government's granting of a permit to burn the Quran and the incident of the burning of the Swedish embassy in Baghdad.

During the meeting, it was decided to refer those responsible for the burning of the embassy, who were arrested, to the judiciary, as well as to refer negligent security officials for investigation and to take legal action against them.

The Iraqi government reiterated its commitment to the security and protection of all diplomatic missions and to confronting any attacks targeting them.

It also confirmed that it notified the Swedish government yesterday, Wednesday, through diplomatic channels, that it would cut diplomatic relations with Sweden if the incident of burning the Quran on its territory occurred again and permissions were granted under the pretext of freedom of expression.

It affirmed that such provocative actions disrespect international charters and norms concerning the respect for religions and beliefs, pose a danger to peace, and incite a culture of violence and hatred.

Iraq condemned the continued actions of the Swedish authorities in such provocative stances against the beliefs and sanctities of others.