Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard was forced to flee from a debate in the Riksdag on Thursday after someone threw a bag of tomatoes and onions at her. Three people were arrested by guards and handed over to the police. Who is suspected of having done what, the investigation leader Josefine Loob does not want to answer.
But all three have been involved in disrupting proceedings at the same time, she says to TT.
Can lead to imprisonment
The individuals are said to have been Palestine activists. They shouted, among other things, "Stop Israel, they are terrorists" and "The coward is running", when the Foreign Minister left the chamber. The crime they are suspected of is the same crime as in previous protests during debates in the Riksdag – despite the fact that something was thrown from the gallery this time.
I cannot comment on this specific case, but it can be how the throwing has been done in such cases. Where it has been aimed, where it has landed, what one throws.
All circumstances surrounding it have significance for the charge.
The crime can lead to fines or imprisonment for up to six months.
If it is a more serious offense, one can get a more severe punishment, but within the framework of the penalty scale, says Loob.
"Very unpleasant"
There is no plaintiff in the case and the suspects have not yet been questioned. The case is planned to be handed over to the prosecutor in early November.
After the incident, an extra meeting has been held among the Riksdag party group leaders and the security around the chamber is being reviewed.
I didn't know what was thrown, so it's clear that it was a very unpleasant situation, the Foreign Minister has said about the incident.
