Experts Criticize Stegrud's Explanation: 'Very Foolish'

Experts question Jessica Stegrud's reasoning for participating in the confrontation at Stockholm Central.

Activist Nick Alinia, who moves in far-right circles, frequently publishes videos showing his aggressive confrontations with opponents.

One such video depicts an incident at Stockholm Central this past summer.

According to Alinia, he was called derogatory names and urged to commit suicide aboard a train and on the platform upon arrival in Stockholm.

He then pursued the accused men and confronted them, with his camera recording. Insults were exchanged from both sides. The video shows the men trying to leave the situation, while Nick Alinia followed them.

Jessica Stegrud, a member of the Swedish Parliament for the Sweden Democrats, traveled to Stockholm with Nick Alinia. During the confrontation, she followed and filmed as well.

'Not What I Would Have Recommended'

In a post on X, Stegrud states that the men harassed Nick Alinia on the train and that the atmosphere became threatening. According to her, the threatening behavior continued on the platform:

"Nick Alinia took out his phone and started filming the men who continued to shout insults while masking themselves and trying to escape the camera. The situation remained threatening, and since I didn't want to stand alone, I followed and started filming too. Partly for my own safety, and partly to have evidence if something worse were to happen."

Lena Ljungdahl, a trained police officer who conducts training on threats and violence, questions Stegrud's explanation and actions, regardless of what happened before the video.

– It sounds a bit strange. It's not what I would have recommended, she says.

What Lena Ljungdahl teaches about threatening situations is to first create distance from the danger. In Stegrud's case, the alleged danger was moving away from her, but the video shows her following.

– Either create distance yourself or let the threat create distance, that's a cornerstone of how people survive. I always say: You should try to have as many meters and seconds as possible before the threatening situation. Following a threatening situation is very foolish.

'Childish Behavior'

Sven-Erik Alhem, a legal scholar and former chief prosecutor, points out that he doesn't know what happened before the film starts, but notes that he doesn't see any threatening situation towards Stegrud and Alinia in the film.

– On the contrary. The one who claims to be threatened (Nick Alinia, editor's note), he follows to film. It gives a strange impression. Most people who feel threatened don't want to be in that situation any longer.

Alhem suggests the purpose was likely something other than averting a threat.

– It almost gives the impression that one is out for provocation.

None of the derogatory expressions in the film reach the threshold for criminality, he assesses.

– Following someone can actually also be harassment, regardless of what happened before, but these pejorative statements are of a childish nature.

Confronted Herself

Jessica Stegrud was herself confronted by a Palestinian activist outside the parliament in June. In a clip from the incident, the woman shouts:

– Fuck you! Fuck you, damn fucking whore.

Several politicians, including Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, reacted strongly to the incident. Stegrud also commented in posts on X and Instagram:

"Completely unprovoked. Attacked as an elected official, outside my own workplace. I have never commented on the issue. Should we really have it like this in Sweden? No, definitely not, it must come to an end."

Expressen seeks Nick Alinia and Jessica Stegrud.