Swedish Terrorism Trial Sparks Defamation Lawsuit Against Researcher
A terrorism trial over a 2020 attack plot sparks a defamation lawsuit against researcher Tobias Hübinette by the accused and his financier father in Sweden.
- • A young Swedish man is on trial for planning a poison gas attack during Eurovision 2020.
- • Researcher Tobias Hübinette publicly named the accused, linking him to his financier father.
- • The accused and his father demand 170,000 SEK in damages and an apology from Hübinette.
- • Hübinette argues the lawsuit is an attempt to silence his anti-fascist stance and defends his public interest claims.
Key details
A young Swedish man on trial for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack at the Eurovision 2020 final faces claims that he intended to poison the audience with toxic gas released through the venue's ventilation system, with prosecutors linking him to the white power movement. The trial, which began earlier this year in Luxembourg, could lead to a prison sentence of up to 12 years if convicted. Meanwhile, researcher Tobias Hübinette, who publicly named the accused and discussed his family connections, has become embroiled in a defamation lawsuit. The accused and his father—a well-known financier in Sweden—have demanded a retraction, an apology, and a total of 170,000 SEK in damages (120,000 SEK from the son and 50,000 SEK from the father). Hübinette, who has already complied with some demands, plans to contest the financial claims, arguing that his comments served the public interest and that the legal action aims to silence his anti-fascist activism. The verdict in the terrorism case is expected on November 27. This legal dispute highlights tensions between free speech, public interest, and privacy amid sensitive national security proceedings.