Many Swedish-Iranians testify that they are already being security tested and that the tone has hardened. This after Säpo recently announced that the authority wants to tighten security checks for people with connections to foreign countries or dual citizenship who are tested for a sensitive position. “Sara” as we call her, left Iran almost 30 years ago. Here in Sweden, she is married and has two children. For five years, she has worked in healthcare with information about vulnerable children. The police also sit in the same premises where she works. But now she has to leave the building. – I feel offended, I feel angry, sad. But I know it’s because I’m Iranian. I have been mistreated, she says. Got to keep the job At the end of last year, “Sara” and her colleagues were told that they would be security tested. But only “Sara” was interviewed at the beginning of March. A week or so later the decision came; She gets to keep the job, but has to work from another property. But why do you think they see you as a security risk? – Because I am Iranian and I have a Swedish passport and it can happen that someone can threaten me and want information from me, which is the most ridiculous thing I have heard, she says. Since the Security Police announced last year that the authority wants to tighten the security checks for people with connections to foreign countries or dual citizenship, who are being tested for a sensitive position, several Swedish-Iranians testify that they have already experienced tougher security checks at their workplaces. Many also believe that it is due to the high-profile spy case, where two brothers with roots in Iran were sentenced to long prison sentences. But it is not surprising that trials are already taking place, say experts. – It doesn’t sound like it’s anything special or strange. The operator, if it does and works in accordance with the legislation, should be able to reconsider and re-evaluate and weave new aspects into its environmental monitoring, which they think affect their judgments, says Pierre Gudmundson, personnel security specialist at the security company SRI. China and Russia are also singled out According to Pierre Gudmundson, a security-classified position is therefore not a right. – It is legislation that takes little account of the individual and instead takes great account of the great Swedish interests and Swedish values quite simply. Those with dual citizenship or foreign citizenship can find themselves in a bind, he says. Iran is one of the countries singled out by Säpo as a particular threat when it comes to espionage, along with China and Russia. But “Sara” finds it difficult to understand why she should be scrutinized and feels monitored. – I can’t sleep, I can’t eat. They have simply ruined my life, she says. Watch an interview with “Sara” in the clip above.
t4-general
Swedish-Iranians sound the alarm – testifying to tougher security checks
