In Al Jazeera’s documentary series “Behind closed doors”, about children who are taken into care by, among other things, Swedish authorities, the reason for the care is not always reported. The series has been criticized and SVT Nyheter has previously reported that it is reminiscent of the LVU campaign’s message that Swedish authorities would kidnap Muslim children.
After the criticism, Al Jazeera now responds.
– It is a nuanced and balanced film that raises an important topic in a respectful way, says Awad Jumaa, director of programs and purchases at the company’s streaming platform 360.
Wanted to give everyone perspective
Awad Jumaa, who helped lead the work on the series, believes that it is completely wrong to compare the content with the LVU campaign, the extensive disinformation campaign that a couple of years ago contributed to an increased terror threat level in Sweden.
– You try to discredit the film, we highlight social problems, but you try to smear us by associating us with activists, he says and believes that the goal was to give space to all perspectives when it comes to caring for children and show how families are affected by it .
– I hope in the future that it is the topic that the film covers that will be discussed and not Al Jazeera.
“Sweden is stronger than that”
Awad Jumaa believes that the criticism of the film that it would lead to increased security risks for Sweden, highlighted by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M), is exaggerated and extreme.
– The film creates debate, but it is a film. I am sure that the image of Sweden in the world as a respected country is not damaged or threatened by a 120-minute long documentary. Sweden is stronger than that.
– I hope the Prime Minister actually watched the film before he commented and I hope he will clarify whether he actually watched the entire film before making these very strong statements.