Sweden is at a crossroads. A recent ruling, in which a person was convicted of incitement to racial hatred after burning and desecrating the Koran, marks a significant change in legal practice. In the past, such acts have been considered part of freedom of expression – a right that has been a cornerstone of Swedish democracy. But now, the court has ruled that these acts are not only criticism of religion but also constitute contempt against Muslims as a group.
This in itself is debatable, but of even greater concern is how the law seems to be applied differently depending on which groups are affected. At the same time as this verdict is handed down, Palestinian activists can freely spread messages about exterminating Jews and destroying Israel on Swedish streets and squares – without the judicial system reacting with the same force. Why is it that some forms of hatred and threats lead to prosecution and conviction, while others go under the radar?
Sweden risks playing into the hands of Islamist forces, knowingly or unknowingly. For them, it is a victory, also in terms of propaganda. First the murder of Salwan Momika and now that you can be convicted of desecrating the Koran. Sweden has now taken a big step backwards in its approach to freedom of expression and the rule of law.
Justice must be consistent. If someone is convicted of incitement to racial hatred for desecrating a holy book, the same law should apply when people openly spread anti-Semitism and call for the destruction of a nation and its people. But what we see today is a selective application of the law – protecting some groups and ignoring others. This undermines the credibility of the legal system and creates a dangerous situation where political and ideological considerations seem to govern the application of the law.
This is a path that leads away from legal certainty and equal treatment and instead towards a society where some views are allowed while others are banned, depending on the group expressing them. It risks creating deeper divisions in society and a growing distrust of authorities and the justice system.
Sweden must choose a path. Either the law applies equally to all – regardless of religion, political beliefs or background – or we move towards a system where some have the right to hate while others are silenced. This is a dangerous development, and it is high time we had a debate about where we are really heading.
More than ever, Sweden needs to stand up for fundamental freedoms and defend the secular idea. This requires that laws are applied consistently and that the rule of law does not give in to religious pressure.
In Sweden, God has been dead for a long time, let it stay that way.