Anti-Semitic crimes rose by 57 percent in Sweden last year, according to new figures from the National Crime Prevention Council. Released on Thursday, the report stated that while the overall number of hate crimes in the country remained unchanged, offences against Jews rose significantly, particularly in the southern region of Skane. In total, 250 anti-Semitic crimes were reported in 2009.
“In 2009, 5,800 hate crimes were reported. Crimes against foreigners or with racist motives continue to dominate and the reporting of anti-Semitic crimes has increased,” the council said in a statement. The statement added, however, that it was unclear whether just the reporting of, or the actual number of crimes, had increased.
The southern city of Malmo recently received extensive media and political attention after a number of threats were made against a small Jewish community. Some Jews chose to leave the city for fear of their safety, prompting a meeting between Liberal Party leader Jan Bjorklund and community figureheads. Malmo’s mayor, Ilmar Reepalu, was also criticised in the country’s media for failing to stop the attacks and even for fuelling anti-Semitic feelings.
According to a report by The Local, 71 percent of hate crimes reported in Sweden in 2009 were against foreigners or motivated by race. A further 18 percent were related to sexual orientation, 10 percent had religious motives, and one percent were against transsexuals.