Scandal Erupts as 25 Sverigedemokraterna Politicians Linked to Hells Angels
An investigation reveals 25 Sverigedemokraterna politicians have links to Hells Angels, raising significant concerns.
Key Points
- • 25 Sverigedemokraterna politicians have documented connections to Hells Angels.
- • The party claims these are isolated cases receiving excessive media attention.
- • Berry Hasselqvist resigned due to his ties, while Gunnar Kronenberg remains supported by the leadership.
- • Internal criticism arises over unequal treatment of members with gang connections.
- • Jimmie Åkesson hosted a wedding guest linked to a criminal network, prompting concerns about his judgment.
A recent investigation by Expressen has uncovered that 25 politicians affiliated with the Swedish Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna, SD) have ties to criminal motorcycle gangs, specifically the Hells Angels, known for their involvement in organized crime. This revelation raises significant concerns regarding the party's standards and integrity in managing its members' associations.
The party leadership has responded to these claims by downplaying the connections, asserting that they pertain to a few isolated cases that sensationalized by media. However, over the past weeks, Expressen has identified nine specific politicians within the party who have confirmed links to the Hells Angels, highlighting serious implications for the party's reputability.
One prominent figure amid these allegations is Berry Hasselqvist, a former SD vice president who held significant connections within a motorcycle club aligned with the Hells Angels. He was photographed wearing a gang loyalty badge and initially resisted disavowing these connections before ultimately resigning after further incriminating evidence surfaced. In a similar vein, Gunnar Kronenberg, another SD politician, admitted to his association with Hells Angels and has shown no remorse, stating, "I don’t see any issue with my past associations."
The investigation also sheds light on Jimmie Åkesson, the party leader, who invited a guest with known links to a criminal motorcycle network to his wedding, raising questions about his judgment. Critics within the SD have called out uneven treatment within the party, expressing frustration that members like Johnny 'Puma' Tegelaar have faced scrutiny without receiving support, contrasting their experiences with those of more prominent associates such as Åkesson. This disparity points to underlying tensions that challenge the party’s unity and response to these alarming revelations.
As the Swedish Democrats confront this emerging scandal, the implications for the party's political future and the integrity of its leadership remain uncertain. Questions regarding how the party maintains its standards and manages its internal conflicts are coming to the forefront in a time when credibility is crucial for political survival.