low graphics version | feedback | help
Swedish press warns of Nazi threat
The Swedish flag's colours are used by some extreme-right groups |
Sweden's four main daily newspapers have published a joint editorial on their front pages, warning of the rising danger to democracy from neo-Nazis.
In a co-ordinated decision that took months of planning, the four papers published the photographs, names and ages of 62 "key" extreme-right activists, in what they called a "map of hate and violence".
"We chose to publish the identities of these people because we determined that they are criminals wilfully using violence to undermine democracy", said Staffan Thorsell, editor-in-chief of the popular daily Expressen.
 Far-right groups are breaking the foundations of democracy  |
| Swedish newspaper editorial |
Those named are men aged 19 to 34 and one 21-year old woman, and are active members of some of Sweden's 13 neo-Nazi groups and the Hell's Angels and Wolfpack Brotherhood motorbike gangs.
Swedish law allows the details of criminal suspects to be published as long as there are no cases pending against them.
Intimidation and threats
The papers say there is evidence of growing intimidation of officials from these far-right groups, with more than half the country's police officers and prosecutors having received threats.
Witnesses in court cases against neo-Nazi activists have also been threatened.
The papers say the attacks are creating an environment of fear that is poisoning democracy.
"The groups threaten judicial authority, they threaten government, and they threaten the free press by going after journalists" the papers said.
Public anger
The newspapers' campaign follows recent demonstrations by thousands of people in Stockholm calling for an end to right-wing extremism.
We won't be scared into silence |
| Swedish newspaper editorial |
The killing follows several other incidents this year by neo-Nazis including the murders of two policemen, who were targeted for their views.
Three young neo-Nazis are being held in custody in connection with Mr Soderberg's murder, and three others are currently on trial for the deaths of the policemen.
So far, Swedish authorities have backed away from calls to outlaw the extremist groups but have demanded stronger action by police.
Prime Minister Goran Persson welcomed the newspapers' initiative.
"This joint article is further proof that Sweden stands united: We will never ever let Nazism or other threats against democracy get a foothold in our country," he said.
|
Search BBC News Online |
|
|
 Advanced search options | |
| |
 | |
 | |
| |
 | BBC RADIO NEWS |
| |
| |
 | BBC ONE TV NEWS |
| |
| |
| WORLD NEWS SUMMARY |
| |
| |
| |
| |
 | PROGRAMMES GUIDE |
|
|
See also: |
|
 |
|
 |
23 Oct 99 | Europe |
|
Swedes rally against racists |
| |
|
|
07 Sep 99 | Entertainment |
|
Bergman admits Nazi past |
| |
|
|
03 Dec 97 | World |
|
Russia closes book on Wallenberg, saviour of Jews |
| |
|
|
17 Dec 97 | World |
|
Nazi gold went to Sweden, says report |
| |
|
|
Internet links: |
|
|
|
|
|
Swedish Parliament |
| |
|
|
Aftonbladet Newspaper |
| |
|
|
Svenska Dagbladet Newspaper |
| |
|
|
Dagens Nyheter Newspaper |
| |
|
|
Expressen Newspaper |
| |
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites |
|
Links to other Europe stories are at the foot of the page.
E-mail this story to a friend
~RS~a~RS~international~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~41~RS~)