Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström stated to the TT news agency on Friday that the country is strengthening security measures at embassies and other missions due to increasing threats against Swedish interests abroad. Billström mentioned that security has been enhanced at embassies and other missions without detailing the security reasons. He emphasized, "The safety of Foreign Ministry employees is the top priority," adding that the safety of the families of diplomats and local staff is also taken into consideration. He remarked, "Therefore, there are different groups affected by this intensified security work." Billström did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Legal Amendment
On Friday, the Swedish government announced that it is considering amending the public order law to allow the police to refuse permits for acts such as Quran burning only if they constitute a threat to national security. Swedish laws protecting freedom of expression broadly cover actions such as insulting public figures or mocking religions, and the government has indicated it will not change these laws. However, Justice Minister Gunnar Strömer stated on Friday that he would appoint a committee to explore granting the police broader powers to refuse permits for actions like Quran burning. Strömer added in a press conference, "Of course, general international discontent or an unspecified threat should not be sufficient; the decision should rely on serious and specific threats."
