Swedish parliament members express fear after right-wing media activist Nick Alinia visits SD leader Jessica Stegrud. The incident has sparked a debate on security within the parliament, with concerns about extremist influences and the safety of politicians.
Concerns Rise as Extremist Enters Swedish Parliament
Concerns Rise as Extremist Enters Swedish Parliament
Members of parliament express concern after right-wing media activist Nick Alinia visited SD leader Jessica Stegrud in the Swedish parliament.
Recently, several politicians have been targeted by actions and public exposures.
Last week, Carl-Oskar Bohlin was followed by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, and activists have previously exposed Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard's residence. According to Left Party leader Nooshi Dadgostar, a party colleague was recently followed by a Nazi.
These events have led to increased discussions about security in and around the parliament.
Simultaneously, controversy surrounds SD leader Jessica Stegrud, reportedly in a relationship with right-wing media activist Nick Alinia. This summer, he was her guest in the parliament's premises, as reported by Dagens ETC.
Nick Alinia has conducted several confrontational interviews with politicians, journalists, and private individuals. He has also called former Prime Minister Stefan Löfven a "traitor" in a widely noted clip.
"Extreme Discomfort"
Nick Alinia's presence in the parliament has caused concern among members from parties on both sides of the political spectrum, according to Expressen.
Samuel Gonzalez Westling, group leader for the Left Party in the parliament, shares that he has had several conversations where politicians expressed fear of being followed or exposed.
– Our members have long been subjected to persecution. The far-right and this type of media activists have stood outside our premises, waiting for us to come out, and started filming and following us. They have also been to some members' hometowns. It's very unsettling, he says.
Gonzalez Westling adds:
– But now it's something else. Now insecurity enters the workplace too, with right-wing extremists being invited by the Sweden Democrats. It leads to an extreme sense of discomfort.
Praised Activist Club
Nick Alinia is often seen with right-wing activist Christian Peterson and has praised Aktivklubb on social media. Aktivklubb is a far-right movement that, according to the Security Police, uses violence to commit politically motivated crimes.
A member, who wishes to remain anonymous and describes themselves as a political opponent of the Sweden Democrats, is disappointed that Nick Alinia was allowed into the parliament, calling it a "legitimization of his attacks on elected officials."
– We are afraid, says the person, adding:
– What happens if Alinia starts filming us in the parliament? Then my and my colleagues' lives become hell. Can Jessica Stegrud guarantee that it won't happen, or that he won't attack us?
According to another member, from a different party, Nick Alinia's visit to the parliament has sparked a larger discussion about security in the parliament.
– When we read and talk about this affair among us members. That this type of extreme people with extreme views are here. Then it becomes very, very unpleasant.
Disappointed with Strömmer
On Monday, Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer met with the parliamentary group leaders for a discussion on security outside and inside the parliament. Samuel Gonzalez Westling says he raised the issue of SD guest Nick Alinia.
– This is a relatively new problem, with this type of activists inside the parliament. I don't think I got a particularly good response from the justice minister about it. There was a lot of focus on demonstrations.
In the parliament, parties are each other's work environment. It requires mutual respect, says Gonzalez Westling.
– I don't think the Sweden Democrats take responsibility for it. SD has always had connections to right-wing extremists, but it becomes extra clear when they even invite them to the parliament's premises. It's an extreme problem.
Expressen has sought Nick Alinia, Gunnar Strömmer, and the Sweden Democrats' group leader Linda Lindberg.