Quran Incident in Greece - Updated

(Athens, Greece) During Greek police patrol yesterday (5/20), an officer entered a Syrian-owned coffee shop, took a customer's Koran, tore it up, threw it on the floor and stomped on it.

As a result, about 1,000 immigrants from Syria, Pakistan and Afghanistan demonstrated in the streets today (5/21). Store windows and cars were smashed.

Police have launched an internal investigation and charges are expected to be filed.

Given the explosive outrage expressed in the Muslim world regarding previous incidents of Koran destruction, we can probably expect to hear more about this incident.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.


[Update 5/22/09]

From Daily Times:

Around 1,500 demonstrators marched through the working class district of Kypseli towards the Omonia Square in the city centre, where there were scuffles with officers and tear gas was fired, said police.

Word is spreading.


[Update II 5/22/09]

(Athens, Greece) Muslim protesters demonstrated for the second day due to the "Quran Incident," as it's become known.

Demonstrators marched through Athens on Friday chanting "Allah is great" and carrying banners proclaiming "Hands off immigrants".

"We want the officer or officers involved to be prosecuted, and the government to issue an apology," Manala Mohammed, a Syrian national, told the Associated Press news agency.

"We want people to show us respect."

The protest in the city's Omonia square was organised by leftist, immigrant and anti-racism groups, which have previously complained of police brutality against immigrants.

Muslims are generally dissatisfied with conditions in Greece. After sneaking into the country, they're shocked to find no jobs waiting for them and they end up having to live in miserable, overcrowded apartments. The Quran incident easily ignited violent demonstrations.