Protesters Rally Against Sweden’s Controversial Anti-Terror Laws

Protesters Rally Against Sweden’s Controversial Anti-Terror Laws

A demonstration organized by groups affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), deemed a terrorist organization by Turkey, took place in Sweden, triggering a controversy over the country’s NATO membership bid. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has been blocking Sweden’s NATO membership, accusing Stockholm of providing a safe haven for Kurdish activists. In response to Erdogan’s concerns, Sweden recently enacted a law criminalizing participation in terrorist organizations.

Protest Against Erdogan’s Influence

The protest, named “No to NATO, No Erdogan Laws in Sweden,” was attended by individuals and organizations critical of Turkey’s influence and the potential consequences of Sweden’s NATO membership. Tomas Pettersson, spokesperson for the Alliance Against NATO, expressed concerns that the new law was designed to create a pretext for arresting individuals associated with the PKK, thereby persuading Erdogan to allow Sweden into NATO.

(Read Also: Turkey, Sweden, and Finland Seek Resolution for Sweden’s NATO Membership Delay)

PKK Flags and Anti-NATO Sentiments

Protesters waved PKK flags and held signs with slogans such as “No to NATO.” Former Swedish MP Amineh Kakabaveh highlighted the potential repercussions of Sweden joining NATO, stating that it could lead to blackmail from Erdogan’s government. While the PKK is classified as a terrorist organization in Sweden and the EU, its supporters are generally permitted to voice their opinions and participate in public protests.

Controversy Surrounding Sweden’s NATO Membership

Sweden and Finland, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, decided to abandon their longstanding military non-alignment and applied for NATO membership. Finland joined NATO in April, but Sweden’s membership bid requires ratification by Turkey and Hungary, which has not yet occurred. The recent law criminalizing participation in terrorist organizations in Sweden was seen as the final step to fulfill the agreement signed with Turkey, aiming to gain Ankara’s approval for Sweden’s NATO membership.

(Read Also: Protesters in Stockholm Rally Against Sweden’s NATO Bid and Anti-Terror Legislation)

Balancing Security Concerns and Freedom of Speech

Sweden’s justice minister emphasized that the new legislation does not aim to curb freedom of speech but rather address security concerns related to terrorist organizations. Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom hailed the law as the necessary action under the agreement with Turkey. NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg, after meeting with Erdogan, called on Turkey to drop its opposition to Sweden’s NATO bid, citing Sweden’s efforts to address security concerns.

Tensions and Suspended Negotiations

Tensions between Turkey and Sweden escalated following protests in January that involved a Koran burning outside Turkey’s embassy in Stockholm. In response, Ankara suspended negotiations with Sweden. However, with NATO urging Turkey to reconsider its opposition, emphasizing that Sweden has taken steps to address security concerns, the fate of Sweden’s NATO membership bid remains uncertain.

(Read Also: Turkey Intensifies Airstrike Campaign Against PKK Strongholds in Iraqi Kurdistan)