Muslims foil attempt to burn Quran in Netherlands

Leader of the Pegida anti-Islamic movement Edwin Wagensveld intended to hold a rally to burn the Quran in the Netherlands.

Leader of the Pegida anti-Islamic movement (Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West) Edwin Wagensveld intended to hold a rally to burn the Quran in the Netherlands but he was attacked by Muslims, RBC reports citing the BN DeStem agency.

The rally, agreed upon by the authorities, was to take place in Arnhem city in eastern Netherlands. Muslims living in the city heard about the rally and gathered at Jansplein square at about 12:00 (GMT+1). Mayor of Arnhem, Ahmed Marcouch, urged the rally participants to leave the square, and when they refused, he called the police.

Wagensveld attempted to hold the rally while police officers drove away the protesters. The Muslims managed to break through and attacked the Pegida leader. There were also clashes with police officers. Wagensveld and several police officers were injured. Three people were arrested.

“I understand the sadness and emotion as a result of burning a holy book. However, violence is unacceptable,” Mayor Marcouch said.