Sweden: Demonstrations in Stockholm on August 25 /update 1

Event

The Nordic Resistance Movement (NMR), a far-right neo-Nazi organization, has been granted permission by Swedish authorities to hold a march in Stockholm on Saturday, August 25. Dozens of NMR members are expected to begin gathering from 12:00 on Saturday in the Kungsholmen district of central Stockholm. The march, which will begin at 13:00, will depart from Kungsholmstorg, and follow Norr Malarstrand, Sankt Eriksgatan, and Hantverkargatan before returning to Kungsholmstorg. A separate rally will be held by the Revolutionary Communist Youth (RKU) in the Norra Bantorget area of the city. Clashes between the two groups of protesters as well as between protesters, counterprotesters, and security forces cannot be ruled out. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of any gatherings.

Context

NMR was formed in 1997 and has held a number of rallies throughout the country in recent years. Previous rallies in Stockholm have led to significant disturbances. After a NMR march in January 2016, NMR members attacked police, resulting in 38 arrests. A NMR march in November 2016 ended in clashes between NMR members and counterprotesters, with nine people arrested by police.

Advice

Individuals in Stockholm are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution.