Published: Less than 10 min ago
The spy trial in the Stockholm District Court begins on Friday.
The hearing entails special security requirements – both for court personnel and technical equipment.
– Everything aims to ensure that the information, which is subject to strict confidentiality, is not passed on, says chief councilor Måns Wigén.
The trial in the old security room in the Stockholm District Court begins on Friday, Måns Wigén confirms for TT.
Two brothers, 42 and 35 years old, stand accused of having spied on Sweden on behalf of Russia for ten years. Through the older brother, who worked at Säpo and within the Armed Forces, they are suspected of having come over and passed on information which, in the wrong hands, is deemed to constitute a threat to the security of the kingdom.
The sensitive nature of the evidence means that large parts of the trial must take place behind closed doors. In addition, the district court and Säpo take several measures to prevent classified information from leaking out.
Makes eavesdropping more difficult
Chief councilor Måns Wigén, who will lead the hearing, tells Sveriges Radio that special computers and microphones that are difficult to eavesdrop may be used.
– It may become relevant to take such technical measures to prevent information from getting out through technical means, he says.
All court personnel working with the trial – chairman, jurors, recorders and court clerks – need to be security classified. Other participants are subject to a yipping ban.
Strict confidentiality
The staff also receive special instructions on how to handle the information they receive during the negotiation. Exactly what that means, or what other measures are taken, Måns Wigén does not want to answer.
– I can’t go into that, but everything aims to ensure that the information, which is subject to strict confidentiality, is not passed on, he tells TT.
The Security Police are also tight-lipped about the security arrangements surrounding the trial, as well as which actors might have an interest in eavesdropping on it.
– When it comes to our possible involvement in security work, regardless of what it is about, it is nothing we are in a position to talk about, says Fredrik Hultgren-Friberg, press spokesperson at Säpo.