National Police Chief Anders Thornberg has assured the public that the police are prepared for any potential terrorist threat against Sweden. He urges people to continue their daily lives as usual, but to remain vigilant. Thornberg emphasizes that while no guarantees can be made about preventing a terrorist attack, the police are taking the threat seriously and utilizing all available resources to ensure the safety of the country.
In response to the increased terrorist threat level, the Swedish Police Agency is ramping up its efforts on multiple fronts and has a strong ability to combat terrorism, according to Thornberg. He states that the police are fully prepared to respond to the situation at hand.
Despite the heightened threat of terrorism, Thornberg encourages people to attend planned events, such as the ongoing Culture Festival and the upcoming Midnight Run in Stockholm. He advises individuals to maintain their usual routines but to remain alert. Thornberg assures the public that although they may not see all the security measures in place, the police are actively monitoring the situation.
When asked about guaranteeing people’s safety, Thornberg acknowledges that while it is impossible to completely prevent a terrorist attack, the police are committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Sweden.
One component of the increased threat level against Sweden is the call for violence made by various actors, including the terrorist group al-Qaeda, in response to Koran burnings that have taken place. The police have previously attempted to deny permission for such burnings, citing potential disruptions to national security. However, the court has ruled that this is not a sufficient reason to deny permission.
Thornberg sees no reason for the police to pursue alternative legal avenues to limit Koran burnings. Instead, they engage with demonstrators, discuss the potential consequences, reason with them, and consider alternative locations. The police are committed to upholding Swedish law to ensure that individuals can exercise their democratic rights and freedoms while also ensuring public safety.
When asked if all legal measures to stop Koran burnings have been exhausted, Thornberg explains that each application is assessed individually, taking into consideration the potential impact on public order and security.
Despite the increased threat level, events such as the Midnight Run will proceed this weekend, attracting large crowds of participants and spectators. The police will increase their presence and coverage, though many of the security measures may not be visibly apparent. The national police chief continues to urge the public to live their lives as usual while remaining vigilant in the face of the current threat.