1 / 5 Photo: Mickan Palmqvist/TT
In the hours after Säpo decided on Tuesday to raise the terror threat level from 3 to 4, the mood was calm in the bustling center of Stockholm.
– But I will probably avoid going to larger events, says Uppsala resident Karin Mansikka.
Martin sits on a bench by Slussen’s subway and reads the news on his mobile phone. He is surprised by the double messages that he feels have come.
– What are you supposed to believe? They first say not to worry and only hours later they raise the level from three to four. I think that is very strange.
TT: Do you feel anxious?
– No. I live here in Stockholm and don’t think I will change my behavior but continue as usual. I actually think something has to happen before I change the way I move.
In the old town, tourists Annamaria and her daughter Catherine from Brazil admire the house facades. Nor do they feel particularly worried.
– I think that if the police are aware that there is a threat, they can take care of it and act based on the situation. But I will definitely follow the news more closely now to stay informed.
– I’m from Brazil and I feel much safer here than there.
She is supported by Annamaria:
– I live in live in São Paulo and I feel very safe and secure in Europe in general.
“You are who you are”
Anna Blixt lives in Gamla stan and discussed the situation with her husband when the news came.
– We live in the middle of nowhere and if something happens, it’s probably here in Stockholm. I often walk through town and today there were more guards when I passed the Riksdag, so there is a difference.
TT: Will you change your behavior after the threat level is raised?
– No, I don’t think I will avoid things or change my behavior, you are who you are.
The Zauner family from Passau in Germany are on holiday in Stockholm and have visited both Skansen and the Vasa Museum. Nor do they think the new threat level is worrying.
– No, we are here in the middle of town and plan to continue being tourists. We don’t think there is any reason to worry, says Ursula Zauner.
Worse in other countries
– I think it is worse for the people who live in countries where threats are directed at them because of the Koran burnings, adds Bernd Zauner.
Karin Mansikka lives in Uppsala. The increase has made her think about bigger events.
– I probably wouldn’t go to a concert or similar event with a lot of people. Otherwise, I will not change my behavior in everyday life, she says.
FACTSäpo’s terror threat levels
The threat level consists of five steps:
1. No threat. No threat has been identified.
2. Low threat. The probability that actors have the intention and ability to carry out attacks is low.
3. Increased threat. The probability that actors have the intention and ability to carry out attacks is elevated.
4. High threat. The probability that actors have the intention and ability to carry out attacks is high. Threat level four requires that there be a concrete threat to Sweden.
5. Very loud. The probability that actors have the intention and ability to carry out attacks is very high. It is required that a concrete threat must be imminent or imminent. This level has so far not been used.
The decision on the terrorist threat level in Sweden is made by the head of the security police. Today, the terrorist threat level is a four on the five-point scale.
Source: Säpo
Read more