Democracy under threat around the world -intergovernmental watchdog
Stockholm, SwedenReuters Half of the world’s countries are suffering democratic decline, ranging from flawed elections to curtailed rights including freedoms of expression and assembly, an intergovernmental watchdog group said on Thursday. In its annual report, the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance said 2022 was the sixth consecutive year in which countries with […]
Protests in Stockholm, including Quran-burning, draw strong condemnation from Turkey
Stockholm, SwedenReuters Protests in Stockholm on Saturday against Turkey and Sweden’s bid to join NATO, including the burning of a copy of the Quran, sharply heightened tensions with Turkey at a time when the Nordic country needs Ankara’s backing to gain entry to the military alliance. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the vile […]
Sweden links riots to criminal gangs that target police
Helsinki, FinlandAP Swedish police said Monday that the riots that have shaken several cities and towns in the Nordic country are extremely serious crimes against society and suspect some protesters are linked to criminal gangs that intentionally target police. Sweden, a nation of 10 million, has seen unrest, scuffles, arson and violence since Thursday that […]
Postcards: Coronavirus takes a toll in Sweden’s immigrant community
DAVID KEYTON, of Associated Press, reports on the impact of the coronavirus among immigrants in Sweden…
Swedes ditch glitzy Xmas ads to guide homeless to shelter
Thomson Reuters Foundation As freezing temperatures grip the Swedish capital, dozens of downtown billboards have swapped commercial ad content for directions guiding the homeless to their nearest shelter. Stockholm opens emergency shelters when temperatures fall below minus seven degrees Celsius, but information about their location and the backup services on offer often fails to reach […]
World Council of Churches says “non-violent action and peaceful dialogue” only way to end Syrian conflict following US bombing
The World Council of Churches has renewed its calls for all parties to the Syrian conflict to cease hostilities and “commit to peaceful negotiations toward a transitional governance within the framework of international law” in the wake of the US bombing of a Syrian airfield, saying there is no military solution to the crisis. US […]