Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin Harassed by Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators
On September 8, 2025, Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin faced harassment from pro-Palestinian demonstrators after leaving the parliament, leading to significant political backlash.
Key Points
- • Minister Bohlin was followed by activists after leaving parliament.
- • He described the encounter as feeling like a 'lynch mob.'
- • Political leaders condemned the harassment he faced.
- • Demonstrators expressed accusations regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
On September 8, 2025, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, Sweden's Minister for Civil Defense, experienced a distressing incident when he was followed and confronted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators after leaving the Swedish parliament. The encounter occurred as he exited the Riksdag following a meeting with the Moderate Party.
Bohlin characterized the atmosphere during the incident as akin to being surrounded by a "lynch mob," describing the aggressive behavior of the demonstrators who shouted phrases like "shame on you" and "there is a genocide going on." In a subsequent post on social media, he expressed his fear and frustration, stating that he had to return to the parliament to safeguard his home address. He described the demonstrators' actions as antisocial and disruptive, asserting that no elected official should have to fear for their safety while going about their duties.
The incident has drawn significant political attention, with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ebba Busch, the leader of the Christian Democrats, condemning the harassment Bohlin faced. Both politicians emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles and the need for political leaders to be free from such intimidation. Bohlin criticized the autonomous Palestinian movement, claiming it undermines democracy by obstructing the freedom of movement for elected officials.
A video shared by Bohlin capturing the altercation received widespread attention, highlighting the tension surrounding the ongoing pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Sweden. Many have been circulating the footage, further igniting public discourse on the issue. This incident reflects the heightened activism concerning the Palestinian cause in Sweden, raising questions about the intersection of protest, political safety, and democratic processes in the country.