Henrik Landerholm, Sweden's former security advisor, is on trial for negligence after leaving classified documents unsecured at a course facility. Prosecutors argue the lapse could harm national security, while Landerholm denies any criminal intent, citing work pressure.
Henrik Landerholm Faces Court: No Excuse for Security Breach
Henrik Landerholm Faces Court: No Excuse for Security Breach
According to prosecutors, Henrik Landerholm's forgotten papers could have jeopardized Sweden's security. – I have no excuse for the Gällöfsta incident, says Sweden's former security advisor in court.
Henrik Landerholm is being questioned on Monday at the Attunda District Court in Sollentuna.
The hearing begins with him freely recounting how he left documents behind at a course facility in March 2023.
– It was unfortunate and inappropriate, he says about the incident.
– Now it remains to be determined if it is criminal. My stance on that matter is already known, says Landerholm, who denies any wrongdoing.
Jeopardizing Sweden's Security
Henrik Landerholm is charged with negligence involving classified information after it was revealed that he left secret documents in an unlocked cabinet at a course facility in 2023.
Prosecutors argue that Landerholm was grossly negligent and that the disclosed information could harm Sweden's security.
– When we say sensitive information, the court will soon understand that this expression is not an exaggeration, says prosecutor Per Lindqvist in court.
He emphasizes that the documents have been assessed by both the Government Offices and the Swedish Security Service (Säpo) and the Military Intelligence and Security Service (Must).
– All have concluded that the information is classified, and if it were revealed to foreign powers, it would be detrimental to national security, says Lindqvist.
A large part of the proceedings is held behind closed doors, including the hearing with Landerholm. This follows the prosecutor's request, which the court has agreed to.
"Under Great Pressure"
Landerholm faces fines or up to a year in prison but denies any crime.
– He admits that he left the documents behind, but that does not mean he was grossly negligent, says his lawyer Johan Eriksson.
The defense argues that the documents were not "disclosed," nor do they pose a threat to Sweden's security.
Eriksson emphasizes that Landerholm, in his role as a security advisor, was under great pressure and often worked alone, without a secretary, for example.