The British government has issued a travel advisory to its citizens traveling to Sweden, urging them to remain vigilant due to the increased threat of extremist violence. The UK Foreign Office’s travel advice, published on Sunday, states that terrorists are very likely to carry out attacks in Sweden, including in places frequented by foreigners.
The advisory also mentioned that Swedish authorities have already taken action to disrupt planned attacks and make several arrests. According to the Swedish police website, the current terrorism risk level is 3, indicating an elevated threat.
Henrik Landerholm, Sweden’s national security advisor, acknowledged the change in the UK’s travel advice and confirmed that the security situation in the country has deteriorated. He attributed the escalation to recent incidents of Quran burning, which has sparked controversy and protests.
In late July, two Christian Iraqi refugees publicly desecrated a copy of the Quran and set fire to some pages in front of the Swedish Parliament. This act, which was repeated on two previous occasions, drew international outrage, particularly from Muslim-majority nations. Iraq even expelled the Swedish ambassador and recalled its own envoy from Stockholm in response.
While Sweden’s freedom of speech laws allow for the burning of holy texts, concerns have been raised about a potential Islamist backlash following the incident. Critics have accused the Swedish government of failing to extend hate crime legislation to include Quran desecration, arguing that it would violate freedom of expression.
The escalating tensions have led to fears of a retaliatory terror attack. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed that the government is in daily contact with intelligence services regarding this threat. He admitted that the Quran burnings had shifted Sweden from being a legitimate target for terrorist groups to a priority target.
Kristersson also revealed that the government is considering new legislation that would allow police to intervene and prevent Quran burning if national security is at risk. However, Russia’s State Duma has condemned Stockholm for allowing such public acts, accusing city authorities of being aware that these actions would only escalate religious and ethnic tensions.
In light of the increased threat, the British government’s travel advisory serves as a cautionary measure for its citizens visiting Sweden. It reminds travelers to remain alert and aware of their surroundings, especially in areas frequented by foreigners. The advisory emphasizes the need to stay informed about the security situation and to follow the guidance and instructions of local authorities.
Both the British and Swedish governments recognize the importance of maintaining open and transparent communication regarding the security situation. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed and make informed decisions when traveling to areas with a heightened risk of extremist violence.
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