The problem of ensuring freedom of conscience and religion by law enforcement agencies of Scandinavian countries in modern conditions: public law aspect

Abstract

The article deals with the problems of legal regulation of relations in the Scandinavian states in the field of freedom of conscience and religion. The reason for addressing this topic was the public actions on the burning of the Koran that took place in Denmark and Sweden in 2023, which demonstrated the inability of law enforcement agencies and civil society of the Nordic countries to prevent a violation of public order, as well as the violation of fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual. The object of the study was both the legislation of the Kingdoms of Denmark and Sweden regulating relations in the religious sphere, and law enforcement practice. The article is based on the latest empirical data and research results, most of which have not been translated into Russian. As a result of the analysis of the current legislation of the Scandinavian states, it was concluded that the norms of public law do not correspond to the level and nature of public relations in the religious sphere. The norms of international and European law incorporated into the national legislation of the Scandinavian countries are also ineffective. An additional obstacle is the traditions of a society that recognizes everyone's right to free expression of opinions and thoughts. In order to prevent public events in the religious sphere that are openly extremist in nature, it is necessary to modernize the relevant legislation of the Scandinavian states. At a minimum, it is necessary to expand the powers of law enforcement agencies to ban such events as threatening the national interests of the Nordic countries.