The Health Ministry this morning condemned the “desecration” of Koran copies that were at the multi-faith room at Mater Dei Hospital.

The incident happened on Friday afternoon.

The ministry expressed its solidarity with the Muslim community, saying that such irresponsible acts were committed by cowardly people.

The matter has been passed on to the police for investigation.

Slices of bacon were placed inside copies of the Koran, according to photos posted to Facebook by the Islamic Community of Malta.

A printout featuring a photo of Father Jacques Hamel, a Christian priest who was killed by Islamic State terrorists in Normandy earlier this week, was also left on the book.

In a Facebook post, the ICM said that it would not fall for the perpetrators' bait and encourage hate in "this beautiful country". 

"We urge our fellow Muslim brothers to act responsibly," the ICM added. 

Archbishop Mgr Charles Scicluna also condemned the incident. "Not in our name," he tweeted.

 

I condemn the vilification of the Quran at Mater Dei Hospital. I condemn the abuse of the name of Martyr Fr Jacques Hamel. Not in our name.

— Bishop CJ Scicluna (@BishopScicluna) 30 July 2016

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Malta also categorically condemned the act of vilification of the Holy Quran – the Holy Book of Muslims, at Mater Dei Hospital. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community said it has always condemned every act of extremism and terrorism, wherever and for whatever reason it was committed. The killing of Christian priest, Fr. Jacques Hamel, in France, was also condemned by the community all over the world, the community said in a statement.