Investigation Reveals Hate Speech and Threats in Sweden Democrats-Linked Facebook Group
A Facebook group linked to Sweden Democrats reveals extreme hate speech and threats involving party politicians.
Key Points
- • The Facebook group has over 9,200 members and is linked to SD politician Susanne Cederholm.
- • 24 Sweden Democrats are identified as members, allowing for extreme hate speech without moderation.
- • The group promotes violent rhetoric against Muslims and minorities, reflecting alarming trends in political discourse.
- • SD-Blekinge chairman Fredrik Thomasson acknowledges the issue of online hate as a wider societal problem.
An investigation into a Facebook group associated with the Sweden Democrats (SD) has uncovered alarming instances of hate speech and threats of violence, involving more than 24 party politicians. The group, titled 'Backa upp Richard Jomshof - stoppa islam i Sverige,' has grown to over 9,200 members since its inception in August 2023, coinciding with controversies surrounding remarks made by SD MP Richard Jomshof.
Susanne Cederholm, a regional SD politician from Blekinge, serves as the group's sole administrator. Under her oversight, the group has been criticized for a lack of moderation concerning its toxic content. Posts within the group are rife with derogatory commentary aimed at Muslims and minorities, inciting violence and promoting harmful conspiracy theories about population replacement, locally referred to as 'folkutbyte.'
Examples of the extreme rhetoric include quotes from members advocating for violent actions against Muslims, such as "when Muslims increase in number, shooting should be implemented to limit their numbers," and another stating that a Somali family should be shot. These statements reflect a broader context of dehumanization towards Muslims, as they are often referred to in vile terms like 'parasites' and 'vermin.'
In addition to the overt Islamophobia, members have expressed antisemitic thoughts, albeit less frequently. Fredrik Thomasson, chairman of SD-Blekinge, acknowledged the troubling nature of the group's statements but insisted that online hatred is a complex societal problem extending beyond party affiliations. Attempts to reach Cederholm for comments about her administrative role in the group have gone unanswered, further fueling concerns regarding accountability within the party ranks.