World News
Sweden Expels Iranian Ambassador Over Suspected Criminal Networks Targeting Jews
Sweden announced that it has decided to expel Iran’s ambassador. The move follows allegations that Tehran is using criminal networks against Iranian regime opponents living in Sweden. Authorities are also examining whether the activity targeted Jewish and Israeli sites.
Reuters reported today (Wednesday) that the Swedish government, led by Maria Malmer Stenergard, has decided to expel the Iranian ambassador from the country. Sweden’s Foreign Ministry delivered the notice to the ambassador after summoning him for a meeting.
According to the report, the decision followed suspicions of Iranian activity in Sweden targeting opponents of the Iranian regime living in the country. Swedish officials told the Iranian ambassador that the activity "is not compatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations." Stenergard said the decision was made "to protect our citizens and other Swedish interests."
The Swedish ministry did not specify the nature of the activity in its statement. However, Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer told AFP that "we know that for a long period, Iran has carried out actions that threaten security in and against Sweden, targeting both people who oppose the Iranian regime and various Jewish and Israeli interests in our country. This has been done, among other ways, through the use of criminal networks."
