Leif GW Persson Faces Backlash for Supporting Man Accused of Threatening Swedish Politicians

Criminologist Leif GW Persson has sparked widespread criticism after publicly supporting Andreas Klominek, a man on trial for threatening Swedish ministers Benjamin Dousa and Johan Forssell. Klominek allegedly placed ominous displays, including apples painted with Nazi imagery outside Forssell’s home and a doll with a fake knife outside Dousa’s residence, as protest actions linked to political disagreements over migration policies.

Persson emphatically expressed his backing, stating he supports Klominek "100 percent" and even offered to cover the legal expenses, citing his own financial stability. He framed the threats as an expression of free speech and criticized the government’s migration approach, describing it in stark terms that resonated with the anger behind the protests.

However, Persson’s comments have drawn severe condemnation from prominent political figures. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard labelled his support as "astonishing," highlighting that one in four Swedish politicians have faced threats or violence according to Brå 2025 statistics. She asserted that backing individuals who threaten politicians crosses a dangerous line that undermines democracy. Jimmie Åkesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, called Persson’s stance "totally reckless" and advocated for his retirement, using the hashtag #PensioneraGW to underscore his disapproval.

In response to the backlash, Persson maintained his position, arguing politicians need greater resilience towards threats and suggesting that their heightened concern for personal safety might be excessive. This controversy has illuminated deep tensions within Swedish political discourse over the boundaries of protest, freedom of expression, and the protection of democratic officials.

As Klominek’s trial proceeds, the debate sparked by Persson’s support reflects broader challenges Sweden faces in addressing political dissent, threats to elected officials, and the societal impact of contentious migration policies.