Minister for Migration Johan Forssell wants individuals who “glorify terrorism” to have their residence permits revoked and be deported from Sweden. Meanwhile, expressing support for alleged Israeli war crimes is expected to remain permissible.
Since Israel’s invasion of Gaza, pro-Palestinian protests have been a recurring feature in several large and medium-sized Swedish cities – often with the message that Israel is committing genocide and war crimes, and that Swedish leaders should act to end the invasion.
In its response, the center-right government has emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself while declaring that it expects Israel to comply with international laws. Now the government is also opening the door to deporting demonstrators with residence permits who have praised terrorist organizations or their representatives.
– I get terribly upset when I see people sympathizing with, and praising, these terrorist organizations… The vast majority of those who participate in these demonstrations do so with perfectly legitimate criticism of Israel. But then there is a small group of people who unfortunately indulge in this romance of terror, says Minister for Migration Johan Forssell (M).
Investigation underway
According to the Minister, praise of such terrorist groups may soon be sufficient grounds for deportation and revocation of residence permits, a possibility the Government is currently investigating.
– People who glorify terrorism have no place in society. They should simply choose to live somewhere other than Sweden, Forssell continues in the statement.
In the past year, accusations of terrorism have been repeatedly directed against the Islamist movement Hamas in Palestine and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and also increasingly against Israel in light of the country’s various attacks in neighboring Lebanon, Syria and Iran.