The goal was to hand out a thousand Korans. “And we don’t leave until it succeeded,” laughs spokesperson Najib Halici. The organization wanted to give a peaceful answer to the action of Pegida leader Edwin Wagensveld and Hoofddorper Hugo Kuiper to burn a Quran.
Halici explains what the purpose of the promotion is: “We are here to show that we are for a connection and are ready to inform people. Many people do not know what Islam actually means.”
‘Never read’
Except for a number of people who extend tightly, the shoppers respond positively to the promotion. The offer is politely repelled, people take the book home or start the discussion.
“I’m going to read him,” says a young girl. “To understand others. I think it’s important.” Another passer -by admits that she will not read the book word by word. “But I’m definitely going to read certain parts, because I’ve never done that.”
Riots after Koran burning
Against the Koran burning, counter -actions were also carried out on Wednesday. There was a demonstration, but riots also arose. By order of safety, the mayor cut the Quran burning early.
Opponents threw fireworks, stones and wood to the police and the demonstrators against the AZC. Destruction has also been caused to stores. The mobile unit (ME) has carried out charges with dogs on the spot. Seven people were arrested.
Halici condemns the riots. “I don’t know if those were Muslims, by the way. Destroying is never good, of course. This is also a call from the Islamic community: we stand for knowledge sharing and distributing information about Islam.”