21 Jan 2023 | 12:31 AM UTC
Sweden: Activist groups to protest in central Stockholm, Jan. 21 /update 1
Activist groups to protest in central Stockholm, Sweden, Jan. 21. Heightened security and local disruptions likely.
Event
Pro-Kurdish and anti-NATO activist groups plan to protest in central Stockholm, Jan. 21. Attendees will gather at Norra Bantorget from 14:00 to denounce Sweden's application to join NATO and Turkish President Erdogan's criticism of Sweden granting residence to Kurdish groups. Organizers will give speeches at the meeting point, after which protesters will march to Medborgarplatsen. Attendance may reach several thousand, based on previous events.
Separately, politician Rasmus Paludan plans to protest outside of the Turkish embassy in Stockholm from 13:00-15:00 and will gather at Dag Hammarskjolds vag 20 to mark freedom of expression against Turkey.
A pro-Turkish demonstration is also planned outside of the embassy from 11:00-16:00 and will gather at Folke Bernadottes vag in support of the Turkish government.
Authorities will likely deploy additional police to monitor and facilitate the event. Security measures and associated road closures will likely lead to localized traffic disruptions. The rally is expected to remain peaceful; however, scuffles between rival demonstrators or security forces are possible.
Advice
Avoid the protests as a routine security precaution. Allow additional time for travel in central Stockholm, Jan. 21. In the event of violence, withdraw from the area immediately.
