Swedish Security Service opens investigation into threats against Mohamsson

The Swedish Security Service has opened a preliminary investigation into unlawful threats against Liberal Party leader Simona Mohamsson, SVT reports.

The investigation follows threats and hate directed at Mohamsson after she wore a Star of David during Expressen’s party leaders’ debate earlier in August.

Gabriel Wernstedt, a press secretary at the Swedish Security Service, told SVT that no information was available on whether anyone had been formally suspected or detained.

“A preliminary investigation has been opened, and the suspicion is unlawful threats,” he said.

Mohamsson said she wore the Star of David as an act of solidarity. At a press conference about proposals to combat antisemitism in Sweden, she said she had reported a threat from someone who said she should be burned.

“It is important that this is taken seriously, but this investigation is not about me,” Mohamsson said.

She added that the threats showed the scale of antisemitism in Sweden and said Jews in the country faced this kind of hatred and threats every day.

Threats against politicians were also highlighted last week when two men were suspected of preparing aggravated assault in connection with an election campaign involving Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer.

The Swedish Security Service said the number of preliminary investigations was at the level expected during an election year. It said around 10 people had been convicted over the past year of unlawful threats or harassment against people under its protection.