Latest news with #Jews
Local Sweden
34 minutes ago
- Politics
- Local Sweden
Inside Sweden: What's missing from Jimmie Åkesson's apology for his party's past?
The Local's Deputy Editor Becky Waterton rounds up the biggest stories of the week in our Inside Sweden newsletter. Advertisement Sweden Democrat leader Jimmie Åkesson apologised to the country's Jewish population this week after the party released the second half of its "white book", a document reporting the history of the party from 1989 to its entry into parliament in 2010. The document, written by Uppsala University historian Tony Gustafsson, confirmed among other things that the party emerged from Bevara Sverige Svenskt (Keep Sweden Swedish), a racist, right-wing extremist and nationalist campaign organisation, in the late 80s. The Sweden Democrats continued to use the Keep Sweden Swedish slogan on campaign materials in its early years. It also confirmed that the party published antisemitic material during the 1990s. Members of the youth organisation, it said, openly listed to antisemitic white power music, dreamt of racial war, detested homosexuality and praised the Ku Klux Klan and the Holocaust. During a speech at political festival Almedalen, Åkesson apologised for his party's antisemitic past. 'I apologise deeply and ask for forgiveness, personally and on the behalf of the Sweden Democrats, that there was a time that my party was home to people with antisemitic views.' 'Antisemitism does not belong in Sweden, does not belong in Swedish politics, and should always be fought,' he added. Advertisement He also said that he felt 'uncomfortable that there was actually a time when Jews in Sweden had completely rational reasons to view the Sweden Democrats of the time with concern and fear.' "I deeply regret, and apologise, that my party at the time could be perceived as threatening and frightening for Jews in Sweden,' he added. Åkesson's apology was welcomed in many corners, including by Aron Verständig, the chair of the country's Jewish Council. However, it left something to be desired – not only because of the fact that Åkesson was quick to use it as a political opportunity to absolve his party of blame and point fingers at the Swedish left instead. It's not exactly hard to find examples of the views mentioned in the Sweden Democrats' white book from members of the party in recent years. As recently as last year, one of the party's MPs was caught on tape belting out a racist chant at the party's EU election night event. The same year, a Sweden Democrat politician in Gothenburg was ejected from her position as a lay judge after claiming that 'the left, liberals and globalists [a common code word used by the far-right to refer to Jewish people]' were conspiring to replace Swedes with immigrants. Sure, both of those Sweden Democrats were kicked out of the party, but there are other, often more senior members of the party who have made similar statements with no consequences. Barely a year ago, Åkesson himself wrote an article using white nationalist language where he claimed that Swedes were being systematically replaced by immigrants. Advertisement If the Sweden Democrats, as he claimed in his speech at Almedalen, have successfully cleaned up their act, why then, did Sweden's extreme right fringe groups celebrate the party's election gains back in 2022 as a move forward for the racial ideology movement? Is Åkesson's apology real, or just a political tool to try to disarm the opposition next time they point out the fact that the Sweden Democrats still have problems with racism and Nazi sympathisers in their party? Where is the apology Sweden's Islamic Association has asked for, after Muslims in Sweden have been the target of Islamophobic abuse from the Sweden Democrats for years? Where is the apology for immigrants, particularly immigrants of colour, who among other things were depicted as stupid, violent or dangerous in videos spread by the Sweden Democrats' troll factory last year? Where is the apology for the LGBT+ community, after top Sweden Democrat Björn Söder's comments claiming that Pride had 'close and legitimate links to pedophilia'? Those examples aren't ancient history dug up from decades ago ‒ they all took place within the last few years. That period of change Åkesson claims the party went through in 1995 looks like it still has a long way to go. Advertisement In other news Sweden is set to roll out language and civics tests for citizenship next summer. But the universities tasked with developing the tests say that timeline doesn't give them nearly enough time. Looking for a change of career? Despite an ongoing period of low growth, Swedish employers are crying out for staff in multiple professions, according to new figures ‒ and not all of those jobs require years of training. GAMES: Have you tried The Local's games for Membership+ subscribers yet? We've got a new crossword and word search puzzle out now The vice-chancellors of four of Sweden's largest universities are warning that Europe could end up "a scientific backwater" unless it deepens its collaboration with China. No more than 15 naturalisation applications were approved during Sweden's recent citizenship freeze, statistics reveal. But the processing of cases is hopefully picking up pace. Are you on summer holidays yet, or will you be heading off soon? Whether it's going for a swim, climbing Kebnekaise, exploring the Gothenburg archipelago, enjoying a platter of prawns, or discovering a new city, we want to hear your best recommendations for making the most of the Swedish summer. The former US ambassador to Sweden, Erik Ramanathan, is back in Sweden for the Almedalen political week in Visby. He told The Local why he thinks Nato countries can still rely on US support despite US President Donald Trump's rhetoric, and why he'll be attending Stockholm Pride. Sweden's Liberals officially chose their new party leader this week ‒ Simona Mohamsson, who vowed to bring "tough love" to immigration and integration politics in her first speech as party leader. Will one of her first moves be to change the Liberals' stance on the far-right Sweden Democrats? We've also put together our monthly list of the new laws, events and other things changing in Sweden next month. Thanks for reading, Becky Waterton Deputy Editor, The Local Sweden Inside Sweden is our weekly newsletter for members which gives you news, analysis and, sometimes, takes you behind the scenes at The Local. It's published each Saturday and with Membership+ you can also receive it directly to your inbox.
Leaders
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Settlers' Violence against Palestinians
Saudi Arabia has denounced the violence of Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, according to a statement by the Saudi Foreign Ministry. On Friday, the Foreign Ministry said that the Kingdom condemned and denounced the continued violence committed by Israeli settlers, under the protection of the Israeli forces, against Palestinian civilians, including the attacks in the village of Kafr Malik, east of Ramallah. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia reiterated its condemnation of the continued Israeli violence against unarmed civilians in Gaza, including targeting civilian sites housing displaced people, according to the statement. The Kingdom emphasized the need to make every effort to protect Palestinian civilians and enable the Palestinian people to exercise all their legitimate rights. It also renewed its call for the international community to assume its responsibilities to end Israeli violations of international laws and norms, the statement said. On Wednesday night, dozens of Israeli settlers stormed the village of Kafr Malik, east of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli settlers set vehicles and homes on fire, under the protection of Israeli forces, which fired live bullets at Palestinian civilians. The attack left three Palestinians dead and seven injured, according to Palestinian WAFA news agency. Israel has built about 160 settlements, housing some 700,000 Jews, since it occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 1967, according to BBC. The international law deems settlements illegal. However, successive Israeli governments have allowed settlements to expand, most notably since the return of Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to power in late 2022. In May 2025, Israel announced plans to establish 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a controversial move backed by the Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, and Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich. Short link : Post Views: 20
NDTV
6 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
New MI6 Chief's Grandfather Was Infamous Nazi Spy Nicknamed 'The Butcher': Report
The newly appointed MI6 chief, Blaise Metreweli, is making headlines not only for becoming the agency's first female leader but also due to shocking revelations about her ancestry. According to a Daily Mail report, Metreweli's grandfather, Constantine Dobrowolski, was a notorious Nazi collaborator during World War II. Archival German records reveal that he infiltrated the Red Army as a spy and was known to Wehrmacht commanders as "Agent No. 30" and chillingly, "The Butcher," for allegedly boasting about killing Jews. According to the BBC, MI6 has distanced itself from the past of its incoming chief, Blaise Metreweli, following reports about her grandfather's Nazi links. Historical records identify her grandfather as Constantine Dobrowolski, a former Red Army defector who became the Nazis' lead informant in Chernihiv, Ukraine. However, the Foreign Office, speaking on behalf of MI6, clarified that Metreweli had no knowledge of or contact with her paternal grandfather. A spokesperson stated, "Blaise's family history, marked by conflict and division, common among those with Eastern European roots, is only partly known. It is this very complexity that fuels her dedication to preventing conflict and defending the UK from today's hostile threats as the next MI6 chief." Blaise Metreweli, 47, who is currently MI6's head of technology, known as "Q", joined the Secret Intelligence Service in 1999, and has spent most of her career in operational roles in the Middle East and Europe, the government said in a statement. Richard Moore, the current chief of MI6, will step down in the autumn after a five-year tenure. MI6, founded in 1909, joins the other main British spy agencies, the domestic spy service MI5, and the intelligence communications agency GCHQ, in having appointed a female head. Metreweli's biggest challenges are likely to be dealing with Russia, China and Iran. Britain's spy agencies have accused Russia of waging a campaign of sabotage across Europe to scare other countries off from backing Ukraine in its fight against a Russian invasion.
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Grandfather of new MI6 chief was a Nazi spy: reports
The grandfather of the incoming head of Britain's MI6 was a Nazi spy chief, according to media reports. Blaise Metreweli was announced as the new chief of MI6 earlier this month, becoming the first woman to take on the role in the spy agency's 116-year history. The Daily Mail reported her grandfather Constantine Dobrowolski had previously defected from the Red Army to become a Nazi informant in the Chernihiv region of Ukraine. The newspaper said German archives showed Dobrowolski was known as "The Butcher" or "Agent No 30" by Wehrmacht commanders. Reports also said the Nazi spy chief had a 50,000 rouble bounty placed on him by Soviet leaders, and was dubbed the "worst enemy of the Ukrainian people". Metreweli's grandfather also sent letters to superiors saying he "personally" took part "in the extermination of the Jews", the newspaper said. Metreweli will take over as head of MI6 from Richard Moore who will step down later this year after five years in the role. Commonly referred to as C, the chief has operational responsibility for MI6, and is the only publicly named member of the organisation. Metreweli first joined the MI6 as a case officer in 1999 and has carried out operational roles in the Middle East and Europe. The Foreign office, which speaks on behalf of MI6, said: "Blaise Metreweli neither knew nor met her paternal grandfather. Blaise's ancestry is characterised by conflict and division and, as is the case for many with eastern European heritage, only partially understood. "It is precisely this complex heritage which has contributed to her commitment to prevent conflict and protect the British public from modern threats from today's hostile states, as the next chief of MI6," a spokesperson said. In her new post, Metreweli will be accountable to the Foreign Secretary. The grandfather of the incoming head of Britain's MI6 was a Nazi spy chief, according to media reports. Blaise Metreweli was announced as the new chief of MI6 earlier this month, becoming the first woman to take on the role in the spy agency's 116-year history. The Daily Mail reported her grandfather Constantine Dobrowolski had previously defected from the Red Army to become a Nazi informant in the Chernihiv region of Ukraine. The newspaper said German archives showed Dobrowolski was known as "The Butcher" or "Agent No 30" by Wehrmacht commanders. Reports also said the Nazi spy chief had a 50,000 rouble bounty placed on him by Soviet leaders, and was dubbed the "worst enemy of the Ukrainian people". Metreweli's grandfather also sent letters to superiors saying he "personally" took part "in the extermination of the Jews", the newspaper said. Metreweli will take over as head of MI6 from Richard Moore who will step down later this year after five years in the role. Commonly referred to as C, the chief has operational responsibility for MI6, and is the only publicly named member of the organisation. Metreweli first joined the MI6 as a case officer in 1999 and has carried out operational roles in the Middle East and Europe. The Foreign office, which speaks on behalf of MI6, said: "Blaise Metreweli neither knew nor met her paternal grandfather. Blaise's ancestry is characterised by conflict and division and, as is the case for many with eastern European heritage, only partially understood. "It is precisely this complex heritage which has contributed to her commitment to prevent conflict and protect the British public from modern threats from today's hostile states, as the next chief of MI6," a spokesperson said. In her new post, Metreweli will be accountable to the Foreign Secretary. The grandfather of the incoming head of Britain's MI6 was a Nazi spy chief, according to media reports. Blaise Metreweli was announced as the new chief of MI6 earlier this month, becoming the first woman to take on the role in the spy agency's 116-year history. The Daily Mail reported her grandfather Constantine Dobrowolski had previously defected from the Red Army to become a Nazi informant in the Chernihiv region of Ukraine. The newspaper said German archives showed Dobrowolski was known as "The Butcher" or "Agent No 30" by Wehrmacht commanders. Reports also said the Nazi spy chief had a 50,000 rouble bounty placed on him by Soviet leaders, and was dubbed the "worst enemy of the Ukrainian people". Metreweli's grandfather also sent letters to superiors saying he "personally" took part "in the extermination of the Jews", the newspaper said. Metreweli will take over as head of MI6 from Richard Moore who will step down later this year after five years in the role. Commonly referred to as C, the chief has operational responsibility for MI6, and is the only publicly named member of the organisation. Metreweli first joined the MI6 as a case officer in 1999 and has carried out operational roles in the Middle East and Europe. The Foreign office, which speaks on behalf of MI6, said: "Blaise Metreweli neither knew nor met her paternal grandfather. Blaise's ancestry is characterised by conflict and division and, as is the case for many with eastern European heritage, only partially understood. "It is precisely this complex heritage which has contributed to her commitment to prevent conflict and protect the British public from modern threats from today's hostile states, as the next chief of MI6," a spokesperson said. In her new post, Metreweli will be accountable to the Foreign Secretary. The grandfather of the incoming head of Britain's MI6 was a Nazi spy chief, according to media reports. Blaise Metreweli was announced as the new chief of MI6 earlier this month, becoming the first woman to take on the role in the spy agency's 116-year history. The Daily Mail reported her grandfather Constantine Dobrowolski had previously defected from the Red Army to become a Nazi informant in the Chernihiv region of Ukraine. The newspaper said German archives showed Dobrowolski was known as "The Butcher" or "Agent No 30" by Wehrmacht commanders. Reports also said the Nazi spy chief had a 50,000 rouble bounty placed on him by Soviet leaders, and was dubbed the "worst enemy of the Ukrainian people". Metreweli's grandfather also sent letters to superiors saying he "personally" took part "in the extermination of the Jews", the newspaper said. Metreweli will take over as head of MI6 from Richard Moore who will step down later this year after five years in the role. Commonly referred to as C, the chief has operational responsibility for MI6, and is the only publicly named member of the organisation. Metreweli first joined the MI6 as a case officer in 1999 and has carried out operational roles in the Middle East and Europe. The Foreign office, which speaks on behalf of MI6, said: "Blaise Metreweli neither knew nor met her paternal grandfather. Blaise's ancestry is characterised by conflict and division and, as is the case for many with eastern European heritage, only partially understood. "It is precisely this complex heritage which has contributed to her commitment to prevent conflict and protect the British public from modern threats from today's hostile states, as the next chief of MI6," a spokesperson said. In her new post, Metreweli will be accountable to the Foreign Secretary.
Toronto Sun
13 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Man, 46, charged in National Holocaust Monument vandalism
Man, 46, charged in National Holocaust Monument vandalism The Holocaust Memorial in Ottawa was vandalized on June 09, 2025. Photo by Jean Levac / Postmedia A 46-year-old man faces a number of charges after the National Holocaust Memorial was vandalized with red paint on June 9. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The man, who has not been named, has been charged with mischief to a war monument, mischief exceeding $5,000 and harassment by threatening conduct. He is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday. The monument, located at 1918 Chaudière Crossing, was sprayed with the words 'FEED ME' in large block letters on the side adjacent to Wellington Street. Red paint was also sprayed along the building's facade. The monument was opened in 2017 and commemorates the extermination of six million Jews who were killed in the Second World War. In 2014, the Criminal Code was amended to add the charge of mischief to a war memorial. The definition applies to a property 'that primarily serves as a monument to honour persons who were killed or died as a consequence of a war, including a war memorial or cenotaph, or an object associated with honouring or remembering those persons that is located in or on the grounds of such a building or structure, or a cemetery.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. If the offence is prosecuted by indictment, it is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If the offence is punishable on summary conviction, it may lead to a sentence of up to 18 months. The Ottawa police hate and bias crime unit is leading the investigation and urges anyone with information to contact their tip line at 613-236-1222, extension 5625. 'The OPS treats incidents of this nature seriously and recognizes their profound impact on the community,' said Ottawa police in a statement. 'We encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences such incidents to report them to police. Reporting hate-motivated incidents is an important step in stopping cycles of hatred.' Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). Read More Music Canada Crime Toronto & GTA Toronto Raptors
