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Anyone Who Supports Terrorist Organisations Should Be Deported- Swedish Migration Minister

by DD Staff

November 01, 2024

Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell

key takeaways

Sweden tried to increase security by imposing additional requirements on those applying for citizenship.

People who support terrorist groups and do not hold Swedish citizenship should not be in Sweden, according to Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell, who made this statement in response to recent protests against the war in Gaza.

These remarks came after it was reported that while people marched through Malmo's streets during the protest, which was started in solidarity of the Gazan people, they saw the flags of Hamas and Hezbollah, the two terrorist groups that operate in Palestine and Lebanon, respectively.

The Minister has announced preparations to deport terrorist tributes in reaction to this occurrence, claiming that it is irrational for those who do not possess Swedish citizenship to "pay tribute to terror" and then be "rewarded" with Swedish citizenship.

Here we have to be crystal clear that we have a great freedom of expression here in Sweden, but when it comes to paying tribute to terrorist groups, we can never see between the fingers. Those people should not be in Sweden. Therefore, we want to change the law to be able to deport them.
--Johan Forssell, Migration Minister

Migration Spokesperson Urges Restrictions for All Terrorist Group Supporters

The spokesman for migration policy, Annika Hirvonen, made the point that all citizens, regardless of immigration status, should be prohibited from aiding terrorist groups. "I would like to see more equal laws," she says.

I think that freedom of expression must apply equally to everyone who is here. It must apply to Swedish citizens, refugees or those who have a residence permit in Sweden. What you think is completely unacceptable should be banned – the same for everyone, she says.
--Annika Hirvonen, Migration Policy Spokesperson

Hivonen stated that everyone is equal before the law and that everyone who commits a crime should be punished, regardless of whether they are a Swedish citizen or a visiting visitor.

In the past, Sweden tried to increase security by imposing additional requirements on those applying for citizenship. Enhanced ID control and a mechanism for revocation of residency permits were among the new measures.

Several EU Countries Tighten Rules for Citizenship Candidates

While some countries are considering tighter rules, some have already implemented them, making access to EU citizenship harder.

Estonia has decided not to allow foreigners with criminal records to obtain Estonian citizenship, with the rule applying especially to those who have committed repeated offences.

The German government has also considered some changes as six federal states want to tighten citizenship rules for migrants with antisemitic crimes. These states, which include Bavaria and Saxony, are some of the most populous in Germany.