"It is clear that this is a very serious crime. It is a terrible crime that we are fighting with force, both politically and in other ways," says Jimmie Åkesson.
He says he doesn't know any more details than what he's seen in the media. He hasn't spoken to the member.
It is not easy to handle things like this, because there are a lot of interests surrounding family and relatives who are also affected, and possible victims, says Åkesson.
It is primarily a police matter now.
Has left Parliament
The SD member left the Riksdag and his party duties on Tuesday. The person has also been suspended from the party while the police investigation is ongoing.
When asked how the incident affects the SD's credibility, Åkesson says:
It has nothing to do with the party. Everyone who is active in this field also says that it doesn't matter to people if they have this disposition. They are everywhere and we have seen, for example, through Dumpen's work over the years, that they are found in all social classes.
Swedish police reportedly learned of the suspected crimes through the U.S. organization NCMEC. The organization works to combat the sexual exploitation of children globally and sends thousands of tips to Swedish police every year.
Many were shocked
Henrik Vinge, SD's deputy party leader, says that many in the party received the news with dismay.
I feel that many people were very shocked, sad, and disappointed. Some were probably angry too. They didn't expect this.
The party will hold a seminar in parliament on Wednesday next week with representatives from the pedophile hunting website Dumpen. That seminar will be held as planned, says Vinge.
Of course. We will continue to work at least as aggressively as before when it comes to child abuse.
