Minister's Relative Linked to Far-Right Extremism Sparks Security Concerns
The minister reacted immediately to reports of a close relative's connections to violent far-right extremism, according to a source close to the government.
– As soon as the minister became aware of this, all security protocols were followed. I know, for example, that Säpo has this information, says the source.
The minister's close relative has participated in several activities with the Nazi group Aktivklubb Sverige, associated with a member of the Nordic Resistance Movement, and put up far-right stickers, including one with the words “white zone.” This is reported by the anti-racist magazine Expo.
The latest contact reported by Expo was with Aktivklubb Sverige.
Aktivklubbar are a relatively new type of far-right groups in Sweden, attracting members with activities like martial arts. The police assess in an intelligence report that Aktivklubb Sverige “has access to weapons and explosives and actively works to improve its combat capability,” writes Expo.
“Säpo Has This Information”
The Deputy Director of Communications at the Government Offices, Linda Hallenberg, notes in a comment that the relative is not a public figure.
– Security for the ministers is a matter for Säpo, and further questions are referred to them. Säpo has information about this.
A person close to the government says:
– As soon as the minister became aware of this, all security protocols were followed. I know, for example, that Säpo has this information.
In several anonymous social media accounts, the relative has shared and interacted with far-right content.
One account is more private and follows the minister and other relatives. The account is followed back by the minister. This account is also used to contact far-right extremists.
In a comment to Expressen, Säpo's spokesperson Johan Wikström states that they do not want to comment on “individual media reports,” but adds:
“Säkerhetspolisen continuously works to monitor violent extremist environments and to gather and process information relevant to the mission of protecting the central government leadership. And we generally have a good understanding of the security situation around our protected persons, including potential threats and vulnerabilities.”
“Moved in the Wrong Circles”
The account follows and is followed by several far-right extremists, writes Expo.
Expo further reports that the relative has taken an increasingly leading role in a chat group for the Nazi group Det fria Sverige this year. The person has, among other things, taken responsibility for organizing meetings.
Last autumn, the person wrote about plans to participate in Aktivklubb Sverige's demonstration in Kungsträdgården on the anniversary of Karl XII's death.
A person with insight into the government states that the information about the relative's engagement is seen as exaggerated.
– The person is not suspected of any crime as far as I know, but has moved in the wrong circles. However, the information about the person's active role is greatly exaggerated.
The relative is also said to have left the far-right environment “a long time ago,” according to the government-related person. Expo's investigation shows that the relative last shared far-right propaganda in January this year. In May, the relative is seen in a training photo with a far-right activist who was later charged with aggravated assault.