The UN refugee agency UNHCR is the aid organization that received the most money from the Swedish people during the war in Ukraine. Private individuals, companies and foundations in Sweden have donated SEK 1.5 billion to UNHCR. When Kalla fakta tries to review how the money is being used, something unexpected happens.
Åsa Widell, who is responsible for UNHCR’s collection in Sweden, has previously worked as a manager within the TV4 group. Now she contacts Kalla fakta’s responsible publisher Fredrick Malmberg.
During the phone call, Åsa Widell says that she has a concern about Kalla fakta’s one reporter. Åsa Widell thinks that reporter Carolina Jemsby has an aggressive tone in her emails. She also points out that Jemsby’s husband worked at UNHCR seven years ago – a temporary position that did not lead to permanent employment.
– I don’t really think it is entirely appropriate that she should review UNHCR, says Widell.
When Fredrick Malmberg objects and says that he feels uncomfortable because he feels that Åsa Widell is trying to discredit a reporter, Åsa Widell claims that she does not want to discredit anyone, but only to provide information.
The freedom of expression expert Nils Funcke believes that the UNHCR director general is trying to influence the publication and that this could be criminal.
– It is a slightly disguised influence of an upcoming publication. It is rude, says Funcke to TV4 Nyheterna.
The program is broadcast in its entirety on Monday at 20.00 on TV4 and on TV4 Play.