The debate about measures to fight the pandemic in Sweden is apparently escalating. The CoV government commissioner, state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell and other top representatives of the state authority for public health (FHM) were therefore placed under police protection, as reported by the Swedish media. Even prominent medical professionals who criticized the health authority’s approach are increasingly the target of hate messages and death threats.
Politicians from all parties, especially Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, reacted to the reports and condemned the attacks in sharp words. In addition to protecting their representatives, the police have also stepped up guarding the premises of the authority. The director general of the health authority, Johan Carlson believes that the verbal attacks against him and some of his employees are organized.
“These things come in waves. These aren’t just individuals writing stupid things. We observe identical formulations that are sent to many, ”said Carlson in an interview with the Swedish news agency TT. Carlson sees the threats as the result of a generally heated debate: “The aggressive tone is the breeding ground for the hatred and the threats.
