Uniting Against Extremism: Sweden's Collaborative Approach

As Sweden faces an escalating terrorist threat, the government has charged the Center against Violent Extremism (CVE) with bolstering inter-agency collaboration to curb radicalization and the spread of violent extremism. This initiative underscores the need for proactive measures to counter the worsening security environment.

Among the strategies is enhancing dialogue with Muslim communities, aiming to promote understanding and de-escalate tensions if they arise.

Gunnar Strömmer, from the Swedish Security Service (Säpo), stresses the persistent threat to the nation, warranting sustained and concerted efforts. The plan involves coordinated work between authorities, local entities, and regional partners to identify individuals veering toward violent ideologies.

Jonas Trolle, head of CVE, highlights instances where Muslim communities strive to counter the portrayal of Sweden as Islamophobic. He suggests that many community members don't recognize themselves in this foreign narrative.

The mission, set to conclude in August 2024, will culminate in a comprehensive report detailing the center's efforts to counteract violent extremism and enhance societal resilience.

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DN: Strömmer: There is a need for more people to step forward

More People Seeking Protective HIV Treatment

PrEP, a preventive HIV treatment, is gaining popularity in Sweden among high-risk groups like men who have sex with men and transgender individuals. PrEP involves taking antiviral drugs to prevent HIV infection, and it has significantly reduced new HIV cases.

Correct usage of PrEP offers strong protection, with only one positive case among over 2,400 users due to incorrect usage.

Accessibility remains a challenge, with over 800 people on waiting lists. Regular clinic visits are required for prescription renewal, but PrEP offers a more affordable and convenient alternative to standard HIV treatments.

While condoms are encouraged alongside PrEP, this treatment focuses on those at higher risk. Improved accessibility is expected, and healthcare specialists advocate its use for those in need.

Source: Finn Filén and the Public Health Agency of Sweden

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DN: More People Want Protective Treatment against HIV

Social Democrats' Proposal to Counter Gang Recruitment

The Swedish Social Democrats are advocating for a comprehensive approach to tackle gang recruitment and segregation. Their proposal includes making it a criminal offense to buy drugs from minors to protect young people from exploitation by older criminals. This initiative is part of a broader effort to shift focus from increased penalties to prevention. The party seeks inspiration from Denmark's successful strategies in breaking the cycle of recruitment and segregation. Additionally, the Social Democrats criticize the government's handling of Quran burnings and emphasize the importance of a strong, well-rounded response to societal challenges.

The proposal would be a significant tightening of penalties, as many young people are exploited by older criminals in drug deals. Magdalena Andersson criticized the government's handling of the Quran burning crisis, arguing that there is a deep divide within the Swedish government and that the Danish government has acted more resolutely. She believes that Sweden should follow Denmark and ban Quran burnings, but she also praises the Danish government's actions. She believes that foreign powers and foreign terrorist organizations should not dictate what Swedish legislation should look like.

Read more:

DN: Social Democrats: Make it a Criminal Offense to Buy Drugs from Children

• Sweden's Growth Focus : Almega, a business organization representing over 11,500 service companies in Sweden, emphasizes the need for focus on the Swedish economy as the country experiences low growth and high unemployment. To accelerate growth, Almega suggests reducing the employer's contribution and tax on labor, improving labor recruitment, and matching the unemployed with available jobs. They argue that reforms are essential for the service sector, which plays a crucial role in Sweden's economy, to reach its full potential.

• Stockholm Fair demolishing proposals : Moderate opposition councilor Christofer Fjellner proposes demolishing Stockholm Fair to build housing, suggesting options for wooden villas, townhouses, or multi-family houses on the 20-hectare site. Fjellner recommends consulting residents through a survey to avoid conflicts with large construction projects and prioritize residents' preferences in new residential areas. Stockholm Fair, the largest fair and congress facility in the Nordics, has experienced financial losses and is expected to have a deficit of 121 million SEK in 2023.

• Sweden's impressive World Athletics Championships : The Swedish athletics team had a successful World Athletics Championships, securing two gold medals and one silver. Armand Duplantis won his second consecutive World Athletics Championship gold in pole vault, despite experiencing stiffness in his thighs. He cleared the winning height of 6.10 and then attempted a world record height of 6.23, against his father's wishes.

• Novak Djokovic's successful return : Novak Djokovic makes a victorious comeback at the US Open, defeating Alexandre Muller in straight sets. Djokovic expresses his excitement to be back after being unable to participate for years due to his unvaccinated status.

• Spanish Football Federation calls for Rubiales to resign : The Spanish Football Federation unanimously calls for the resignation of chairman Luis Rubiales after he kissed Jenni Hermoso without her consent during the FIFA World Cup awards ceremony. Rubiales is also under investigation for sexual assault. Players and coaching staff express their support for Hermoso and refuse to play for the national team until Rubiales steps down.

• Fraudsters targeted the elderly - several sentenced to prison : The Solna District Court has sentenced three men to 1.5 to 2 years in prison for serious fraud against elderly victims, while two others received probation. The fraud involved tricking the victims into giving away their bank cards and making withdrawals. Another case in Malmö District Court saw ten individuals convicted of obtaining money and valuables from elderly women across southern Sweden.

• Major housing project in Hässelby facing delays : The reconstruction of Maltesholmsvägen in Hässelby, Sweden, as part of a major housing project has been delayed, pushing the start of construction to 2026. The project aims to increase the proportion of owner-occupied apartments in the area and improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. However, controversy surrounds the plans, with concerns raised about the lack of parking spaces and the removal of green areas and trees.

• The Museum of Natural History has been forced to close due to the risk of collapse in its entrance hall. The building, which is over a hundred years old, requires investigation and repairs to ensure safety. There are currently no plans to relocate the museum's collections, but outdoor activities and digital presence may be expanded.

• Russian investigation confirms Prigozhin's death : Forensic examinations have confirmed the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of Wagner, a private military company. The cause of the plane crash that killed Prigozhin and six others, including founder Dmitry Utkin, is still unknown. There are speculations that Russia may have caused the crash to eliminate Prigozhin.

• Japan plans to combat overtourism : Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announces a plan to reduce the number of foreign visitors in response to overcrowding, noise, and waste management issues caused by the record number of tourists. The government aims to develop an action plan against overtourism by fall.

• Niger expels ambassadors : Niger has expelled the ambassadors of France, Germany, Nigeria, and has given the United States a 48-hour ultimatum to recall its ambassador. The expulsion follows a series of protests and hostile statements against France by the military junta, accusing France of planning a military intervention to reinstate the pro-Western president. France has denied the allegations and stated that the coup makers do not have the authority to expel the ambassador.

• Canadian company developing AI servant : Sanctury AI is developing an AI servant that CEO Geordie Rose believes will tap into a massive market for "household AI". However, experts predict it will take at least ten more years for AI robots like Phoenix to be available for sale. Other companies, such as Dyson and Tesla, are also investing in AI and robotics for household chores.

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Without a license

Driving without a license is legal in Sweden! Well it's not legal to drive a traditional car without a license, but you can drive a modified car without one. The cars are often referred to as A-tractors and have been limited to a top speed of 30 km/h. Drivers of A-tractors also need to be at least 16 years old and have a valid license with AM authorization—which authorizes the driver to use vehicles like scooters and mopeds.

A-tractors are more common in rural areas where public transport is not as easily available for young people who need to get around.

On August 31st, a notable change awaits "a-traktor" vehicles in Sweden. New regulations will be enforced, introducing mandatory seatbelt usage for all occupants and imposing restrictions on passenger capacity.

This adjustment marks a significant departure from the previous norms. The "epa," or "a-traktor," was once synonymous with a social gathering of friends, creating a mobile hub of youthful activity. However, the forthcoming rules aim to create a more spacious environment inside these vehicles, fostering compliance with safety protocols.

Stefan Dahlgren, a municipal police representative, emphasizes the forthcoming clarity surrounding the regulations, stating that the revised policy strictly permits a maximum of two passengers in the "a-traktor," and adherence to seatbelt usage is compulsory. Non-compliance could lead to legal consequences, reinforcing the importance of following the newly established guidelines.

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Mitti: Last few nights before the new rules

by Julia Powanda/Riedia