The Moderate Party leader Anna-Karin Hatt announced yesterday that she is resigning due to threats and hatred.
Have the threats against top politicians increased recently?
It is something that one follows and there have been reports that say there is such an increase, so it is likely that it is the case, says Säpo chief Charlotte von Essen.
Does Säpo notice a rougher and more agitated climate?
One needs to distinguish between what is our mission, which is about ensuring the safety of our protected persons, and what is very much other unpleasant things that can lead to great insecurity and discomfort. They are different parts.
”Words matter”
The tone in the social debate plays a role at the same time. Säpo has previously pointed out that a very harsh debate climate and high tone can have consequences.
Words matter. It is also something that can drive radicalization and ultimately violent activity, says Charlotte von Essen.
Anna-Karin Hatt has stated that she has felt that she needs to look over her shoulder when she is out in town and that she does not feel safe even at home.
Has the threat against politicians become so serious that it has become difficult to protect them?
Our mission is to ensure the protection of the central government leadership. I can state that Anna-Karin Hatt has communicated that she is satisfied with the protective measures that the Security Police have taken. She has not reported any crime either. So this is something else, but which we need to take very seriously together in society.
Can become more active
Shouldn't politicians report threats and hatred to the police?
Our starting point is that if you are a victim of a crime, you must report it, says von Essen.
Säpo writes in its handbook on personal safety for politically active people that all threats should be reported. Then the personal safety work can begin, and a report also facilitates the intelligence work. If a threat exists, a protection plan is made and possible security measures are planned in dialogue with the person who has been exposed.
The Säpo chief notes that both violence-advocating extremists and lone actors with unclear ideological background can become more active during an election campaign.
This is something we work with all the time, to identify the type of people who could pose a threat and reduce it.
