Norwegian police banned a planned demonstration that involved burning the Holy Quran, following a summons by the Turkish Foreign Ministry to the Norwegian ambassador in response to the protest.

The protesters intended to defile the Quran outside the Turkish embassy in Oslo, echoing similar demonstrations that took place last month in Sweden and Denmark.

“The police emphasise that burning the Quran is a legal political statement in Norway, but this event can’t go ahead due to security concerns,” Oslo police Inspector Martin Strand said in a statement.

Last month, far-right politician Rasmus Paludan caused widespread condemnation and outrage after he burned a copy of the Holy Quran outside the Turkish embassy in Sweden.

Permission granted for the protest resulted in Turkey announcing the cancellation of a visit from Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson. The visit intended to address Turkey's objections to Sweden's bid to join NATO.

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