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The Swedish companies Saab and Kunskapsskolan have together made several school investments in the dictatorships in the Middle East.
But what was the real purpose?
Here are five points about Aftonbladet’s review of the Saudi school.
1. Schools would attract gun shops
Two Swedish companies, the weapons manufacturer Saab and the independent school group Kunskapsskolan, have for years made school investments in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, among others. Aftonbladet can reveal that the school investments were intended as pawns in Saab’s controversial arms deals in the region.
2. Secret “counter-purchases”
The companies have used their joint company Kedtech, where Saab has invested at least 100 million. The plan has been that the school investments can function as counter-purchases. Counter-purchases are common in the arms trade, but very controversial and sensitive. Counter-purchases are often secret and mean that arms companies do something extra for the country that will buy the arms.
3. “Islamic upbringing”
In Saudi Arabia, they are behind the Nün Academy. Saab and Kunskapsskolan paint it as a modern school that spreads democracy and interest in technology among children. But in reality, the school has strict gender segregation, compulsory Koran studies, daily prayer, “Islamic upbringing” and a ban on criticizing the regime.
4. Owner’s Defense
On social media, the school pays tribute to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and the crown prince. Their eight years in power have been the worst ever for human rights. Executions have increased and children have been sentenced to death. But Kunskapsskolan’s owner Peje Emilsson sees no problem with running a school in the dictatorship. He also defends the school’s gender division.
5. Contacts with Kristersson
Peje Emilsson also owns the PR agency Kreab and has contacts with top politicians such as Ulf Kristersson. Aftonbladet’s review shows that he has received help from governments and ambassadors for his ventures in the Middle East. For example, they have made courtesy visits to the governments of the dictatorships.