MALMO, Sweden — A court in Sweden has issued a sentence of four months in prison to a far-right politician for two incidents of “incitement against an ethnic group” due to derogatory comments made during political rallies two years ago.
Identified by Swedish media as Rasmus Paludan, a 42-year-old Danish-Swedish individual and the leader of the nationalist anti-immigration party Stram Kurs, he has a history of similar legal issues, as he was previously convicted by a Danish court. The Malmo District Court acknowledged these past convictions in its recent ruling.
Paludan’s controversial remarks, which targeted Muslims, Arabs, and Africans, took place during protests he organized in Malmo in 2022. Among his inflammatory actions was the burning of a Quran, the Islamic holy text, which sparked significant unrest across Sweden.
His actions drew condemnation, with several analysts suggesting that they may have jeopardized Sweden’s bid to join NATO amidst rising political frictions with Turkey. Sweden officially became a NATO member in March of this year.
In its ruling, the court emphasized that Paludan’s statements against Muslims could not be justified as critiques of Islam or as legitimate political discourse.
Chairman of the court, Chief Councilor Nicklas Söderberg, remarked, “While it is permissible to express critical views on Islam and Muslims, it is crucial that such comments do not descend into disrespect that undermines genuine discourse.”
Söderberg pointed out that during Paludan’s Malmo demonstrations in April and September 2022, there was no valid discussion to be had, highlighting that his comments amounted to nothing more than insults directed at Muslims.
Additionally, the court focused on whether Paludan was aware that the rallies were recorded and subsequently shared on Facebook. While he claimed ignorance regarding the filming, the court found this assertion unconvincing, asserting that his behavior would seem irrational had he indeed been unaware of the social media publication.
Paludan, who practices law, expressed to local media that he was not taken aback by the verdict.
“It was anticipated. We shall appeal,” he was quoted saying by the Swedish outlet Expressen.