Swedish Government Condemns Imam's Violent Sermon on Women's Rights
Imam Saleh Abouelenen's sermon advocating violence against women prompts swift government condemnation.
- • Imam Abouelenen's sermon advocated for violence against women.
- • Swedish Social Minister condemns incitements to violence.
- • Government aims to prevent harmful messages in religious venues.
- • Public outrage highlights the role of religious leaders in society.
Key details
A sermon delivered by Imam Saleh Abouelenen in southern Sweden, where he advocated violence against women, has ignited nationwide outrage and prompted a swift condemnation from the Swedish government. During the controversial address, which took place in a mosque, the imam instructed his followers on how to treat their partners, suggesting they should "admonish them, avoid them in bed, and hit them". This message has raised significant alarms within the community and sparked intense discussions about the responsibilities of religious leaders in society.
In response to the uproar, Social Minister Jakob Forssmed emphasized the government's position through social media, declaring that such incitements to violence are unacceptable and must not be preached within Swedish mosques. Forssmed's statement reflects a serious commitment to protecting women's rights and fighting against the normalization of harmful ideologies in religious teachings.
The incident has underscored the ongoing challenges Sweden faces concerning gender violence and the influence of religious leaders. Forssmed addressed the importance of ensuring that religious institutions contribute positively to society rather than promoting violence or discrimination. The government is now considering further actions to prevent the spread of these dangerous messages within mosques across the country.