Published: Less than 30 min ago
Foreign Minister Tobias Billström (M) states that there is freedom of speech and demonstration in Sweden and does not want to speculate on whether a Koran burning could make it difficult for Sweden’s NATO application. At the same time he says:
– Anything that prolongs the process unnecessarily is of course something we take very seriously.
During Saturday, several actions connected to Sweden’s NATO application will take place in Stockholm. The far-right politician Rasmus Paludan has received permission to burn a Koran at the Turkish embassy, at the same time that a pro-Turkish organization wants to demonstrate at the site.
“Inappropriate”
When TT interviews Tobias Billström, the police have not yet given permission for Paludan’s Koran burning and he does not want to speculate on what Saturday’s actions may lead to – or get involved in.
– It would be very inappropriate for me as foreign minister to come in and say that a person would not be allowed to carry out a demonstration, he says.
On Saturday, hundreds of people are also expected to march in a demonstration in protest against Turkish President Erdogan and Sweden’s NATO membership. Among the participants are the Rojava Committees, who last week hung a doll representing Erdogan upside down at Stockholm City Hall.
Something that aroused strong Turkish anger and was forcefully condemned by both Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) and Tobias Billström. Kristersson called the action “sabotage against Sweden’s NATO application”.
“Big Ape”
The strong condemnations have received criticism, among other things, because the government did not at the same time speak out as forcefully in favor of the right to freedom of expression.
Now Billström clearly emphasizes that there is freedom of speech and demonstration in Sweden. At the same time, he highlights that the government feels strong support from the Swedish people for Sweden to become a NATO member and that it is important to take the process forward.
– In that situation, to see this process possibly jeopardized by this development is of course a big ape, of course, says Billström.