Introduction
Concerns about the Tidö Agreement and its impact on the rule of law and democracy
The human rights organisation Civil Rights Defenders recently published a report on the Tidö Agreement, which was signed on 14th October 2022 between the right-wing Swedish governing parties (Sweden Democrats, Moderate Party, Christian Democrats and Liberals). The human rights organisation warns that the agreement harbours risks for the rule of law, fundamental rights and democracy. In particular, it criticises the proposed harsh penalties for irregular migration and other crimes, arguing that these measures disproportionately affect marginalised groups and lead to divisions along ethnic and religious lines. The organisation describes this approach as "punitive populism", which addresses security concerns with harsher penalties rather than tackling the root causes of criminal behaviour, which are often rooted in social exclusion. Civil Rights Defenders concludes that an alarming anti-democratic trend is emerging in Sweden.
Freedom of peaceful assembly
Twelve climate activists convicted after motorway protest
On 24th October, twelve climate activists were convicted of sabotage following a high-profile protest on the E4 motorway in Solna on 29th August. They had been charged with "sabotage and disobedience to law enforcement" on the grounds that their protest caused severe traffic congestion that prevented an ambulance from arriving on time. The convicted individuals, aged between 25 and 70, held banners reading "Restore wetlands," the name of an organisation that describes itself as "a peaceful civil disobedience movement." The activists acknowledge their actions but deny any wrongdoing. This conviction aligns with two other sabotage verdicts against climate activists by Swedish courts this year. Johanna Westesson, a legal expert at Amnesty International, argues that the charge of sabotage, with its severe penalties, is disproportionate to the disruption caused by the protest.
Freedom of expression
New espionage law raises concerns about press freedom
On 16th November, the Swedish government passed a controversial amendment to the law on foreign espionage. The changes incorporate crimes such as foreign espionage, aggravated foreign espionage, and the unauthorised disclosure of secret information in international cooperation into the criminal code. This amendment makes it illegal to disclose sensitive information from Sweden's international collaborations without prior authorisation if it could harm Sweden's relations with other states or international organisations. Several media companies have criticised the law, calling it "a threat to freedom of expression and democracy," as it could be used against investigative journalists, whistleblowers, and those exposing irregularities and corruption. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson defended the amendment, stating it is necessary to enhance Sweden’s ability to cooperate internationally.
Increase in hate speech and threats against journalists and the media
At a recent event addressing threats against climate journalists, Jennifer Clement, former president of PEN International, noted an increase in hate speech and trolling targeting both climate journalists and activists. She observed that right-wing populists often attack green politicians, climate defenders, and scientists, reflecting the polarisation between conservative and progressive values. Clement emphasised that the newly elected Sweden Democrats have identified the Greens as their main opponents. Former environment minister Isabella Lövin of the Green Party, who also attended the event, said that public broadcasting in Sweden was under pressure for its coverage of climate change, facing accusations of bias towards the Greens if they report on the issue. She argued that social media significantly influences public opinion and increases polarisation, adding: "We as legislators were not aware of the power of algorithms. It is now too late for the planet, both in terms of climate and democracy."