LGBTQ+ asylum seekers face difficulties in Sweden

A report from the Swedish LGBTQ+ rights organization RFSL highlights ongoing issues in Sweden's treatment of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. The report, analyzing court rulings from 2020 to 2023, reveals that many deficiencies identified earlier still persist.

When seeking asylum, LGBTQ+ individuals are expected to provide evidence of their identity, often involving specific emotional expressions. These expectations are criticized as unrealistic and invasive.

Aino Gröndahl, an asylum rights lawyer, emphasizes that these demands are peculiar and unjust. The report cites cases where the courts question applicants' emotions and reactions, often disregarding UNHCR guidelines and EU law.

The Swedish Migration Agency acknowledges these issues and is cooperating with RFSL to improve the process. However, the situation has led some LGBTQ+ individuals to seek asylum in other countries with more favorable conditions.

Efforts to enhance legal sources and educational materials for assessing LGBTQ+ asylum seekers' credibility are in progress. The government is also reviewing the asylum process and working to strengthen LGBTQ+ support.

Despite some improvements, challenges persist for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in Sweden.

Read more:

DN: RFSL: The asylum process for LGBTQ+ individuals violates the law

Long waiting times for breast cancer treatments

Patients referred for breast cancer investigations at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg are facing long waiting times, averaging over nine weeks.

This delay is more than double the normal waiting time of four weeks at the hospital. The increase in referrals with confirmed "well-founded suspicion" of cancer has strained resources, particularly the shortage of breast radiologists, causing delays in diagnoses and treatment plans.

While some regions report minimal waiting times, others are experiencing delays due to shortages of radiographers and nurses. The government is concerned about unequal access to timely care and emphasizes the need for facilities to prioritize patients based on need.

Read more:

DN: More cancer cases detected with AI

DN: Longer cancer queues in Sweden than in neighboring countries

DN: Seriously ill cancer patients wait months for surgery

DN: Long waiting times for breast cancer investigations this summer

Riots at Eritrean Festival in Jarva: This is what happened

The Festival Eritrea Scandinavia in Jarva turned chaotic as around 1,000 demonstrators initiated riots at the festival site. The event faced criticism due to its alleged affiliation with the Eritrean regime, known for its dictatorship. Although further protests were planned, the police revoked the demonstration permit following the riots.

Ole-Jörgen Persson, the first vice chairman of the Jarva district council, criticized Stockholm City for allowing the festival, stating it celebrates a dictatorship. Stockholm City's Traffic Office, responsible for renting out the land, claims they don't assess values, focusing on land management.

The police grant permission for the festival, while the Traffic Office decides on land rental. The chairman of the district council, Rashid Mohammed, emphasized that freedom of speech allows the festival but condemns violence.

The festival's association rented premises from Järva Folkets Park. Last year, they declined due to conflicting values. Despite criticism, the association still received the rental.

The festival has drawn attention for its loyalty to the Eritrean regime. On Thursday, protests intensified into riots, with fires and clashes. One person was arrested, 140 detained, and over 50 injured. As of Friday, 14 remain hospitalized.

Read more:

DN: Police halt demonstration after riots

DN: Minute by minute: This is what happened during the riots in Jarva

DN: Eritrea expert: The violence is not surprising

DN: Jarva politicians critical of the Eritrean cultural festival

• Gasoline prices have risen since spring : The price of diesel has increased by 17.8% and 95-octane gasoline by almost 9% since spring, due to the rising oil prices driven by factors such as production restrictions and strong demand, particularly in Asia. Analysts predict that the oil price and gasoline price may continue to rise next year, influenced by OPEC and Russia's power position in the world market.

• Food prices rise : Food prices in retail have seen a slight increase of 0.2 percent in July after three months of stability or decrease. The rise is attributed to upward pressure and tight profitability among suppliers, as well as the impact of the weak krona and increased import costs. The survey shows that 20% of products increased in price, while only 9% became cheaper.

• Summer travel soars : Over 3.2 million passengers flew through Swedavia airports in July, marking a 14% increase compared to the same month last year. Despite concerns about climate change and inflation, Scandinavians continue to travel to Mediterranean countries during summer, driven by their desire for warmer climates. The weak Swedish and Norwegian currencies also attracted international tourists.

• Artists concerned over Meta : Over 20 Swedish artists have penned an open letter to Meta, expressing concern over the rapid increase of fake ads and profiles on the platform that consists of stolen images and fake quotes. The artists criticize Meta's lack of response and question their adherence to their own principles.

• Musk vs. Zuckerberg MMA : Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are gearing up for a potential MMA fight as they become direct competitors with their social media platforms. The billionaires have been bickering over the fight date and broadcasting rights, with factors like Musk's potential surgery and the choice of a reliable platform raising concerns. Zuckerberg has a background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, while Musk claims previous martial arts training.

• TikTok faces EU fines : The EU's data protection authority has decided to issue fines to TikTok following an investigation into the platform's compliance with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation. The investigation focused on how TikTok handles the personal information of children aged 13-17. The fines are expected to be announced within the next four weeks.

• Sweden gears for Japan clash : Sweden prepares for the World Cup quarterfinal against Japan. The Swedish players celebrated their round of 16 victory and will now focus on recovery and reloading. Japan, the only team to have won a previous World Cup gold, presents a tough challenge for Sweden.

• Musovic's record-breaking saves : Zecira Musovic, the Swedish goalkeeper, made eleven saves during the Women's World Cup match against the USA, setting a new record for saves by a goalkeeper with a clean sheet. Her teammates praised her exceptional performance and credited her for keeping Sweden in the game. Musovic expressed immense pride and joy after the match.

• Footgolf seeks Swedish fans : Footgolf, a relatively new sport in Sweden, hopes to gain popularity and recognition. The game involves getting a ball into a hole with as few kicks as possible, following the rules of golf with a larger ball and shorter courses. Despite some resistance from golfers, footgolf offers a new dimension to golf courses and attracts athletes who make a living from the sport.

• Café arson in Lund : A café at a train station in Lund was targeted in a suspected arson attack, causing significant damage. No injuries have been reported, and the police are investigating the incident as a serious case of arson.

• Rain warnings in Värmland, Götaland : Southern Värmland and northern Västra Götaland County are under a yellow warning for heavy rainfall, which may cause local flooding on hard surfaces. Variations in rainfall amounts can be significant within the area, and communities with poor drainage may be most affected. The weather pattern is expected to persist during a short but intense period, with thunder posing no major risk of forest fires due to wet ground conditions.

• Nationwide August rain risk : August is expected to bring heavy rainfall across Sweden, with between 50 and 100 millimeters of rain predicted in various parts of the country. The rain system is uncommon as it will simultaneously affect the entire country, increasing the risk of flooding in properties, basements, roads, and viaducts.

• Storm in Denmark : At least 500 beach huts in Denmark are being relocated to protect them from the worst storm in 25 years with hurricane-force winds. The severe weather has also caused disruptions in train services and ferry departures, as well as delays at airports. As well, devastating floods in Slovenia and Austria have been caused by heavy rainfall resulting in fatalities, flooding, and infrastructure damage. The heavy rainfall is now moving towards Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Sweden and Norway have also warned about heavy rain, calling for residents to prepare for potential road closures and staying indoors.

• Fires rage: Portugal, Spain : Over 1,000 people are battling a rapidly spreading fire in central Portugal, which has already covered 7,000 hectares and could reach 20,000 hectares. In neighboring Spain, several fires threaten residential areas, with over 1,000 hectares ravaged in the past three days. As well, similar extreme heat is also reported in other parts of South America, including Chile and Argentina reaching temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius in the middle of winter.

• Niger coup aftermath : Following the military coup in Niger, deposed President Bazoum writes that he is being held hostage along with hundreds of other citizens and appeals to the international community, particularly the United States, to stop the junta. The coup-makers have announced the abolition of cooperation agreements with France and have faced sanctions from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

malmo

gothenburg

stockholm

150 years of weather reporting

What lovely summer weather we are having… Sweden's summer has taken a surprising turn in July and August in comparison to the repeat of summer 2018 that many were predicting back in May.

If you have been paying close attention to the news and following the weather warnings you have probably seen SMHI's name come up. SMHI, The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, is a government agency that has been in charge of collecting weather data and reporting it to the public since 1873!

The Meteorological Central Institute was founded in 1873 and issued its first weather bulletin in July of 1874. Since then the agency's tasks have ranged from radio announcements, daily weather reports, and data collection.

In 2012, the Swedish National Knowledge Centre for Climate Change Adaptation was founded at SMHI. It collaborates extensively with climate adaptation stakeholders, gathering and disseminating expertise on climate change adaptation.

by Julia Powanda/Riedia