Swedish Party Leaders Condemn Celebration of Hamas Attack
During Sunday evening’s party leaders’ debate on SVT, some of the party leaders were asked about their views on the fact that people in Sweden have celebrated the recent Hamas attack. The responses from the party leaders were unanimous in their condemnation.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) described the celebration as “grotesque” and called on those involved to be ashamed of their actions. Magdalena Andersson (S) of the opposing party also expressed her disgust, stating that celebrating the murder of innocents is abhorrent.
In Malmö, a car-borne demonstration took place, starting from the center of Rosengård and ending at Möllevångstorget. The police estimated that around 200-300 cars participated in the demonstration. While there were some difficulties with traffic, the police managed to handle the situation without any major disturbances.
However, the police did not receive any application for a permit for this public assembly. As a result, a report of a violation of the Public Order Act has been filed. At present, there is no suspect in the case, and no one has come forward as an organizer of the demonstration, according to Nils Norling, the press spokesperson for the Malmö Police.
In response to the demonstration, the police have increased their supervision around the synagogue in Malmö. Norling stated that there is currently no direct threat to the Jewish congregation in the city. However, the police are maintaining continuous dialogue with the congregation to ensure their safety.
During Sunday evening, the police provided additional patrols to guard the synagogue in Malmö. Norling emphasized the good relationship between the police and the Jewish congregation, highlighting that the congregation has its own security department and officer with whom they maintain close contact. The police will continue to work with the congregation and offer assistance as needed.
According to the online newspaper Doku, pro-Palestinian demonstrations were also expected to take place in Helsingborg and Kristianstad.
The celebration of the Hamas attack has sparked concern and condemnation from Swedish political leaders and increased the police’s attention to ensure the safety of the Jewish community in Malmö.