Police Respond to Unauthorized Palestine Demonstrations in Stockholm

On October 2, 2025, police in Stockholm intervened in multiple unauthorized demonstrations focused on Palestine, resulting in several arrests and injuries. The gatherings, which occurred at both Gustaf Adolf Square and outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD), began in the early evening and attracted significant police attention due to their unauthorized status.

At Gustaf Adolf Square, police reported that four individuals were arrested for violent resistance and disobedience to law enforcement. Approximately ten others were removed from the scene. According to police spokesperson Daniel Wikdahl, the police were alerted to the gathering around 6 PM, where the assembly was deemed unauthorized. Furthermore, two participants were hospitalized, with one case linked to a pre-existing health issue rather than violence. As the situation escalated, police mobilized additional resources, including mounted units and police dogs, to maintain order. Witnesses reported that the atmosphere remained tense into the evening, suggesting that police had to adopt crowd control measures potentially involving pepper spray, although this was not confirmed by Wikdahl.

Simultaneously, outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a separate demonstration unfolded, mirroring the unrest in central Stockholm. Protesters blocked the ministry's entrance, which led to the arrest of four demonstrators, with police indicating that more arrests were possible. At least ten people were relocated by officers from the protest site, and two individuals were taken to the hospital, although the specifics of their injuries were not disclosed. As police efforts continued into the late evening, the security service, Säpo, confirmed awareness of the situation, emphasizing that the police had the developments under control.

Both incidents highlight a growing trend of civil unrest surrounding Palestine issues, prompting heightened police vigilance in Stockholm. As of now, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring public safety amid ongoing tensions.