During the Security Conference in Munich, JD Vance criticizes Sweden for the coral against Salwan Najem.
Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard now meets the statement.
– – I do not review independent courts, and I think that politicians in other countries should also stay away, she says.
US Vice President JD Vance speaks during the Munich Security Conference on Friday.
There he criticizes Sweden for having sentenced “a Christian activist” for Koran burning.
– I look at Sweden. Two weeks ago, a Christian activist was convicted of participating in Koran burning, which led to his friend being murdered, he says.
Vance is probably referring to the murder of Salwan Momika, who was charged with incitement against people together with his companion Salwan Najem after the Qur’an burns. Najem was convicted of the crime.
– As the judge also noted, Sweden’s laws to protect freedom of expression does not mean that the freedom to say something that risks offending a group is protected, he says.
“Europe’s retreat”
In the speech, he also expresses concern about freedom of speech in Europe, which he believes is “threatened”.
– The threat I worry about is not Russia or China or any external player. What I worry about is a threat coming from within, Europe’s retreat, he says, states that some of Europe’s “most basic values”, which are also shared by the United States, are in decline.
He also urges the European countries to strengthen their defense and to curb illegal immigration to Europe.
Malmer Stenergard: “Has a far -reaching freedom of speech”
Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) responds to Vance’s statements in an interview with TV4 News after the performance.
– I note that Sweden has a very far -reaching freedom of expression. He referred to a judgment recently decided by the district court. As a Swedish politician, I do not review independent courts, and I think that politicians in other countries should also stay away, she says.
The Foreign Minister also says that the focus for the European countries during the security conference is mainly the war between Russia and Ukraine.
– We talk in all contexts about how to counteract Russia and ensure that Ukraine gets a fair peace, she says.