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Ukraine grenade incident: Councillor tosses explosives into meeting

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In the western Transcarpathian region of Ukraine, a shocking incident unfolded during a village council meeting in Keretsky when a councillor threw grenades, injuring a total of 26 people. The meeting, which was livestreamed on Facebook, centered around discussions on the 2024 budget and financial results for the current year. The attacker’s motive remains unknown, and police have yet to provide details on the possible reasons behind the assault.

The chaotic scene unfolded approximately 90 minutes into the meeting when one councillor, visibly agitated about the budget discussions, abruptly left the room and returned with grenades. In a chilling sequence captured on the livestream, the assailant briefly attempted to attract attention, uttering “May I, may I?” before hurling the grenades into the meeting. The resulting explosion left six individuals in critical condition, while the broader community of Keretsky, with a population of around 4,000, grapples with the aftermath of this unforeseen act of violence.

Despite Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia and widespread access to weaponry, there is currently no evidence linking this attack to the geopolitical tensions in the region. The village of Keretsky, situated not far from the Hungarian border, now finds itself in the midst of an investigation as Ukrainian police designate the incident as a “terrorist attack.” The SBU security service will lead the inquiry into this shocking act, with authorities seeking to understand the motives behind the councillor’s violent actions.

As the investigation unfolds, it has been reported that the assailant, who is now in serious condition, was promptly taken to a hospital and admitted to an intensive care unit. The incident has left the community in shock and raises questions about the safety and security of local government meetings. The repercussions of this violent event will undoubtedly reverberate through the village and the broader region as authorities work to piece together the motives behind this unsettling act of aggression.

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Spread of gang violence wrecks Sweden’s peaceful image

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The surge in gang-related violence, including shootings and bombings, once confined to Sweden’s major cities, has now spilled into quieter suburbs and towns, challenging the nation’s reputation for safety. Upplands-Bro, a community north of Stockholm, has witnessed a series of incidents, including the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy in August and multiple shootings and bombings since January.

The shift in violence from impoverished urban areas is attributed, in part, to gangs targeting the relatives of their rivals. Law enforcement suspects that some of the recent violence is coordinated by criminal leaders based in other countries, such as Turkey and Serbia. The toll has been significant, with nearly 50 fatalities and over 140 explosions in 2023 alone, surpassing the previous year’s record of over 60 deaths from gun violence.

Gangs have evolved beyond street-level criminal activities, forming connections with higher-level criminals. Innocent bystanders, including a 70-year-old man and a 24-year-old teacher, have fallen victim to the violence. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson acknowledged the severity of the situation in a rare national address, promising stricter penalties for deadly violence.

Children as young as 13 or 14 are being recruited into gangs through promises of money and designer clothes on social media. Concerned individuals are taking action, organizing street patrols in affected areas. Community engagement, like night walks and support for families affected by violence, is seen as a way to enhance safety.

In areas like Jarva, where unemployment rates are high, individuals like Libaane Warsame have taken it upon themselves to patrol the streets after losing a family member to gun violence. Despite a lack of fatal shootings this year, residents remain on edge.

The rise in gang violence has prompted the government to reevaluate immigration policies. The right-wing coalition government, elected in 2022, believes that the increase in violence is linked to past immigration policies. Steps include making it harder for immigrants outside the EU to receive social benefits and introducing compulsory preschool to improve Swedish-language skills in certain areas. Legislation against recruiting children for criminal activities has been enacted, and plans for stop-and-search zones and increased prison sentences for offenses, such as gun crimes and explosions, are in progress.

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