Sweden is a priority target for terrorist attacks, according to Säpo. The threat level has therefore been raised to a four on a five-point scale.
The decision about the high terrorist threat has caused authorities and social actors to act, rethink, prioritize differently and review security.
In the next few days, during the late summer, several large events will be held around the country.
Only in Stockholm, this weekend, a number of events take place. Among other things, the Culture Festival, the Midnight Race, a concert at Tele2 Arena and outdoor cinema.
Something that will lead to an extra large number of people outdoors or in specific locations in the capital.
According to information given to TV4 Nyheterna, the Stockholm police have increased their preparedness and, among other things, equipped themselves with extra personnel armed with the MP5 reinforcement weapon.
– In general, places where many people have gathered have been places with a higher risk of being exposed to terrorist attacks, says Jonas Hysing, deputy commanding officer at the police’s National Operational Department, Noa.
Busy weekend: “Raises vigilance”
Janne Magnusson, press officer for the Midnight Run held on Saturday night, states that 25,000 participants are expected.
– We are increasing vigilance and have told our 1,200 officials again now that it is important that they are sensitive to the situation and for further information about things that stand out, just as the authorities urge us all to do, he says.
The Stockholm Culture Festival explains that they have a close collaboration with the police and “follow all directives and recommendations from them”
– There is an extensive security organization that works to ensure that the festival’s visitors feel safe. Currently, the Culture Festival is planned to be carried out according to plan. Questions about the security situation are referred to the Police Authority, says Camilla Jara, communications manager at the festival.
A large number of people are also expected to attend Laleh’s concert at Tele2 Arena.
SL cooperates with Säpo and the police
The majority of event visitors are expected to use public transport. During the weekend and also in the future, due to the deteriorating security situation, Greater Stockholm’s Lokaltrafik (SL) has increased vigilance.
– We at SL are always prepared for various types of events in public transport, and due to the current situation, since July 28, together with our traffic contractors and other contractors, we have increased our preparedness and strengthened our attention in public transport, where we, for example, look for deviant behavior or anything else that deviates from the norm, says press officer Claes Keisu.
SL states that it “collaborates and has continuous dialogue with the Security Police, the Police and other social actors.”
– Their message is that you should live your life as usual but at the same time urge the public to be more vigilant, says Claes Keisu.
For example, they want travelers to raise the alarm about “things that deviate from the normal”.
– If you see something that arouses suspicion, for example left bags and the like, you should contact the police in the first instance. You can also contact SL’s Security Center via phone or the security chat available on our website sl.se and in the SL app.
Police: A serious situation
In other parts of the country, among other things, the Malmö festival will be held, a concert in Uppsala and an all-Swedish football match.
In addition, two Pride parades will be held, in Luleå and Gävle respectively.
– We are in continuous contact with the police and other security authorities to monitor the security situation closely throughout the weekend and especially during the parade. So far, we have not received any recommendations or indications to cancel the parade, says Bader Alkasem at GävlePride.
Joakim Isaksson Markström, chairman RFSL Luleå, says:
– We have a holistic approach and a good dialogue with the Police. As long as the Police Inter says otherwise, it will continue according to previous planning. We have staffed up with volunteers and staff. In addition, we have our own security staff on site.
The police’s Jonas Hysing wants to call on the public to remain calm.
– It is a serious situation. We have a high threat of terrorist attacks in Sweden. Having said that, we have also lived, as the police perceive it, under a very high three for quite some time and the step from a high three to a four may not be as dramatic as it sounds.
– The very purpose of terrorism is to instill such serious fear that the population limits itself, we must not allow that.