Man Arrested for Threats Against Swedish Government Ministers Linked to Kurdish Activist Group

A 42-year-old man has been arrested by Sweden's Security Service (Säpo) on suspicion of making illegal threats against two government ministers, Johan Forssell and Benjamin Dousa. The suspect is reportedly connected with the activist group Rojavakommittéerna, which has protested against the Swedish government’s policies concerning Syria.

The man’s arrest followed social media posts showing actions outside the ministers’ residences. On January 18 and 19, activists placed a basket of apples bearing an image of Adolf Hitler on Forssell's porch and left a doll resembling an IS fighter with a severed female head at Dousa’s home. These symbolic acts conveyed hostile messages tied to grievances over the government's relations with the Syrian regime, accused by the group of ethnic cleansing against Kurds and minorities.

Though the suspect denies the charges, he has a history of leftist activism and was previously arrested abroad for controversial activities. His criminal record in Sweden is otherwise unremarkable. Säpo and the security prosecutor confirm awareness of Rojavakommittéerna’s protests but have not directly linked the group to the threats. Both ministers have opted not to comment on the incident.

The man was initially sought in absence and appeared in court wearing a blue t-shirt to face the charges. Authorities continue their investigation amid rising tensions involving activist groups opposing Sweden’s foreign policy in Syria.