Anyone Who Supports Terrorist Organisations Should Be Deported, Swedish Migration Minister Says

In light of recent demonstrations against the war in Gaza, the Swedish Migration Minister, Johan Forssell, has said that people who praise terrorist organisations and who do not have Swedish citizenship should not be in Sweden.

These comments followed reports that during the demonstration, which was initiated in support of the Gaza people, flags of Hamas and Hezbollah – the two terrorist organisations operating in Palestine and Lebanon, respectively, were seen at the rally as people marched the roads of Malmo, Schengen.News reports.

In response to this incident, the Minister has revealed plans to deport terrorist tributes, saying that it is unreasonable for those who do not hold Swedish citizenship “to pay tribute to terror” and then be “rewarded” with Swedish citizenship.

Here we have to be crystal clear that we have a great freedom of expression here in Sweden, but when it comes to paying tribute to terrorist groups, we can never see between the fingers. Those people should not be in Sweden. Therefore, we want to change the law to be able to deport them. Johan Forssell, Migration Minister

Migration Policy Spokesperson Says Restrictions Should Apply to All Those Who Show Support to Terrorist Groups

Annika Hirvonen, migration policy spokesperson, pointed out that supporting terrorist organisations should be banned for all citizens, regardless of their migration status. She says that she wants to see a more equal law.

I think that freedom of expression must apply equally to everyone who is here. It must apply to Swedish citizens, refugees or those who have a residence permit in Sweden. What you think is completely unacceptable should be banned – the same for everyone, she says. Annika Hirvonen, Migration Policy Spokesperson

Hivonen did not leave out even tourists and Swedish citizens, saying everyone is equal before the law and committing a crime means one should be punished, even if that person is a Swedish citizen or visiting tourist.

Previously, Sweden introduced more rules for citizenship applicants in an effort to improve security. The new measures included an enhanced ID control and a system for the revocation of residence permits.

Many EU Countries Introduced Tighter Rules for EU Citizenship Candidates

While some countries are considering tighter rules, some have already implemented them, making access to EU citizenship harder.

Estonia has decided not to allow foreigners with criminal records to obtain Estonian citizenship, with the rule applying especially to those who have committed repeated offences.

The German government has also considered some changes as six federal states want to tighten citizenship rules for migrants with antisemitic crimes. These states, which include Bavaria and Saxony, are some of the most populous in Germany.