Sweden Democrats Politician Resigns Amid Controversy Over Gang Admiration
Thomas Berntsson resigns from Sweden Democrats after praising a criminal gang, amid broader concerns.
Key Points
- • Thomas Berntsson resigns after praising the Red Devils motorcycle gang, classified as organized crime.
- • Revelations stem from an Expressen investigation into criminal connections among SD politicians.
- • Social Democrats call for action from Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson regarding SD's gang affiliations.
- • Berry Hasselqvist also resigns after being photographed in Hells Angels gear.
Thomas Berntsson, a local politician from the Sweden Democrats (SD), has resigned from all political positions in Svenljunga following revelations of his connections to the criminal motorcycle gang Red Devils. Berntsson described the gang as 'wonderful' and claimed they play a role in keeping narcotics off the streets. However, this claim contradicts police reports that categorize the Red Devils as part of organized crime and highlight ongoing drug-related issues in their local establishments.
The scandal emerged after an investigation by Expressen, which uncovered multiple instances of SD representatives expressing admiration for motorcycle gangs, leading to a broader inquiry into the party's ties to organized crime. In addition to Berntsson, another SD politician, Jimmy Forsell, was reported to have been a member of the Hells Angels supporter group, Red & White Crew, for five years prior to his election, as revealed during a police investigation that was not directly aimed at him.
Social Democrats, led by Teresa Carvalho, have criticized these affiliations, calling them a troubling pattern that necessitates action from Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The concerns intensified with the resignation of Berry Hasselqvist, who stepped down after being photographed wearing Hells Angels loyalty insignia, further underscoring the issue of gang connections among SD politicians.