Four of Sweden’s leftist political parties are demanding to be given a vote to oust populist Sweden Democrats MP Richard Jomshof from his position as chairman of the justice committee over remarks he made about Islam, which they claim puts Swedish security at risk.
The Social Democrats, Centre Party, Greens, and Left Party have all called for the resignation of Jomshof, one of the leading members of the Sweden Democrats, following a tweet he made last month in reaction to the ongoing controversy regarding Quran-burning protests in the country.
Jomshof commented on Muslims calling for “broader dialogue” saying,
I agree that we need a ‘broader dialogue,’ a dialogue about how we democratize the Muslim world. Or why not a dialogue about Islam, this anti-democratic, violence-advocating and misogynistic religion/ideology, founded by the warlord, mass murderer, slave trader and robber Muhammad?
Ardalan Shekarabi, the legal policy spokesperson for the Social Democrats and deputy chairman of the Justice Committee, stated at a press conference,
Richard Jomshof cannot remain as chairman of one of the most important committees in the Swedish Parliament, in this serious security situation, while at the same time contributing to escalating the situation.
According to a report from Expressen, the four opposition parties will request a vote on ousting Jomshof at the next justice committee hearing on August 31st.
While the opposition parties do not have a majority in the justice committee, a key vote from the Liberals could lead to the resignation of Jomshof, and some Liberals, like Anna Starbrink, have expressed support for voting in favour of ousting the Sweden Democrat MP.
Liberal Juno Blom, the only member of the party on the justice committee, was less enthusiastic about the process, stating the entire process was a political game among the parties and adding that they should focus more on what is important for Swedes.
Jomshof’s comments have been decried by many of Sweden’s top politicians, including former prime minister and Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson who has also called for Jomshof to be dismissed from the committee.
“If the government thinks it is important that we cool down the conflict, try to moderate the tone and reduce tensions, the lowest hanging fruit is to remove Jomshof from his assignment. His actions are harming our country right now and he cannot remain in office,” she said.
Andersson has previously slammed Jomshof on social media saying,
Jomshof has incited book burning on several occasions and is in direct polemics with the Muslim world. [Prime Minister] Kristersson must be able to take responsibility for his entire government– for Sweden’s security, Richard Jomshof should leave his post as chairman of the Justice Committee.”
Andersson was likely referring to comments made by Jomshof in January, following the burning of a Quran in front of the Turkish embassy by Danish anti-islam activist Rasmus Paludan.
Jomshof scoffed at Muslims being offended by the protest saying,
I don’t think you should do it, but you can do it and if they get upset, then fire up a hundred more.”
The continued Quran burnings have seen strong reactions from many parts of the Islamic world, with Turkey initially stating that unless Sweden banned Quran burning protests, they would not agree to their application to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
The Swedish embassy in Iraq was stormed ahead of a proposed Quran burning that was set to take place outside of the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm with part of the embassy being set on fire.
Following the protest, which saw the Quran stomped on but not set on fire by Iraqi immigrant Salwan Momika, the Iraqi government announced that it would be cutting diplomatic ties with Sweden and kicked the Swedish ambassador out of the country, while recalling its own diplomatic envoy to Sweden.
“The Iraqi government has informed the Swedish government through diplomatic channels that any recurring incident involving the burning of the Holy Quran on Swedish soil would lead to the breaking of diplomatic relations,” Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudan said.
Along with condemnations from Islamic-led governments, Sweden also faces a heightened security risk from radical Islamic terrorists, according to the Swedish Security Police Säpo.
“In the past, we have seen that Sweden has been a legitimate target, just like many other countries in the West. Now Sweden is being singled out in particular, which makes us a more prioritised target,” Security Service Chief Charlotte von Essen said.
Other countries have also recognised the heightened security risks in Sweden, with the United Kingdom issuing a warning to travellers over possible terror attacks.
“Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Sweden. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners,” the UK foreign travel advice for Sweden states.
