Sweden Faces Emergence of Violent Far-Right Activist Clubs
Säpo warns about the rise of violent far-right activist clubs in Sweden and their impact on youth recruitment.
Key Points
- • Säpo highlights the recruitment of young individuals into violent far-right groups via activist clubs.
- • A gym in Deje is central to the emergence of these clubs in Sweden.
- • Justice Minister revealed a ministerial relative's past involvement in far-right environments.
- • Säpo collaborates with local entities to prevent youth radicalization.
The Swedish Security Service (Säpo) has issued warnings regarding the disturbing rise of violent far-right activist clubs across Sweden, particularly highlighting their method of attracting young individuals, which has become a growing concern for national security. Reports indicate that a gym in Deje, Värmland, has played a significant role in facilitating the growth of these extremist groups.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer confirmed that the government has been alerted to the involvement of a relative of a minister in this far-right milieu, although this individual has since distanced themselves from these associations. Säpo emphasizes that while they do not currently perceive the clubs as an immediate threat for acts of violence, they serve as crucial platforms for the radicalization of young men into far-right extremism.
The roots of this activist movement can be traced back to North America and have been steadily gaining traction in Sweden, especially within regions like Värmland. These clubs are characterized by strong racial ideologies and promote an ethos of heightened masculinity, with a significant focus on physical training that enhances their potential for violence. The presence of far-right environments has historical roots in areas such as Deje, as noted by Lars Stiernelöf, the coordinator against violent far-right extremism in Värmland.
The anti-racist foundation Expo has documented the activities of these clubs, recognizing the Deje gym as a central player in organizing far-right events, notably involving combat sports. To combat the recruitment efforts of these groups, Säpo is actively collaborating with local police, educational institutions, and social services to implement proactive outreach measures aimed at steering youth away from violent extremism. Säpo's spokesperson, Jonathan Svensson, reiterated the agency’s commitment to monitoring these environments and taking steps to prevent the radicalization of vulnerable individuals within these communities.
As the situation continues to develop, authorities are closely monitoring the influence of these activist clubs and aim to mitigate the risk they pose to Swedish society.