News Trending

Hungary’s parliament clears path for Sweden’s Nato membership

By 106 0

Sweden has cleared the final obstacle to its NATO membership after Hungary’s parliament voted to ratify its bid, prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Initially met with delays and accusations of hostility from Hungary, Sweden’s application gained traction as Prime Minister Viktor Orban signaled support, emphasizing solidarity between the two nations.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson hailed the parliamentary ratification as a historic milestone, marking a significant departure from Sweden’s longstanding policy of neutrality spanning two centuries. This decision reflects Sweden’s commitment to defending its values and interests within the framework of the NATO alliance.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg lauded Hungary’s approval, emphasizing its role in strengthening and ensuring the security of the alliance. With parliamentary hurdles cleared, Sweden now awaits the formal invitation to join the 31-member NATO group, signaling a transformative shift in its defense posture and regional security dynamics.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Sweden: Eight in hospital after reports of unusual smell at Security Service headquarters

By 134 0

An incident at Sweden’s security service headquarters led to the hospitalization of eight individuals, including police officers, following reports of an unusual smell and subsequent evacuation of around 500 people. Initially thought to be a gas leak, authorities later confirmed no gas was detected. Police are investigating the cause, with speculation of phosgene detection, though unconfirmed.

Phosgene, a chemical used in plastics and pesticides and infamous from World War One, was suspected. Emergency services responded promptly, with roads closed and barriers erected. Six individuals were hospitalized for breathing issues, including police officers who detected the smell. Evacuation measures were extensive, with nearby schools and residences affected.

The incident concluded without further incident, coinciding with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s visit to Hungary, where Sweden’s Nato membership ratification is pending.

picture courtesy: google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Swedish police destroy object outside Israeli embassy in Stockholm

By 130 0

A “dangerous object” discovered outside the Israeli embassy in Stockholm has been destroyed by Swedish police, following what the Israeli ambassador labeled an “attempted attack.” The incident prompted a significant police cordon, though no injuries were reported. Authorities have not provided detailed information about the object, but it was described as a “live” device by embassy staff, leading to its assessment and subsequent controlled destruction by the national bomb squad.

The Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, characterized the situation as “very serious,” and the country’s Security Service is actively investigating to determine those responsible. As a precaution, increased surveillance has been implemented around the embassy and Jewish institutions in the area.

The Israeli ambassador expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by the Swedish authorities, asserting that acts of terrorism would not intimidate them. Meanwhile, Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ebba Busch, expressed her dismay at the incident, highlighting the frightening level of hatred against Israel and calling for a concerted effort to stop violent extremism.

Police are currently conducting an investigation into the incident and have not yet identified the individuals or groups behind the placement of the suspicious device. The embassy, located in Stockholm’s affluent Ostermalm area, remains under scrutiny in the aftermath of the attempted attack.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Sweden gangs: PM summons army chief after surge in killings

By 208 0

Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, has taken unprecedented steps to address a concerning surge in gang-related violence by summoning the head of the armed forces, Micael Byden, for assistance. The two leaders, along with the country’s police chief, are set to meet to discuss the potential role of the military in combating the escalating issue.

In a rare televised address, Prime Minister Kristersson expressed his determination to tackle the gang problem head-on, stating, “We will hunt the gangs down, and we will defeat them.” The move to involve the military comes in the wake of a particularly bloody 12-hour period, during which two men were shot dead in Stockholm, and a 25-year-old woman lost her life in an explosion in a town north of the capital.

While the exact nature of the military’s involvement remains uncertain, previous discussions have suggested that soldiers might take over certain policing duties to free up resources for law enforcement agencies to focus on crime-fighting. Critics, however, argue that these measures address the symptoms rather than the root causes of the violence.

Over the course of this month, Sweden has witnessed 12 fatalities in gang-related violence, the highest number since December 2019. The recent surge is believed to be linked to conflicts within a gang known as the Foxtrot network, which has splintered into rival factions due to infighting.

Prime Minister Kristersson emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that “no other country in Europe” is currently facing a similar crisis. He expressed concern that violence is increasingly ensnaring children and innocent bystanders across the country.

Efforts to address gang violence have included more surveillance, stricter penalties for gun law violations, enhanced deportation powers, and the establishment of stop-and-search zones. The prime minister’s government has sought inspiration from New York City’s strategies, yet some community organizers argue that these measures fall short of addressing the underlying social issues. They advocate for more action on child poverty and increased resources for youth clubs, community services, and sports centers to address the grief and pain experienced by those affected by the violence.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright