Sweden worried by fatal police brutality

The death of a 20-year-old with Down syndrome has shocked Sweden. He died after a police officer who felt threatened by the young man, who was carrying a toy pistol, shot him. This was the seventh case of a fatal police shooting this year. Sweden's press sees a number of problems with the police system that urgently need to be addressed.

Open/close all quotes
Aftonbladet (SE) /

Compromised investigation

The investigation should be placed in the hands of an independent body rather than with the police, Aftonbladet is convinced:

“This tragic death once again raises the question: why are police officers being investigated by the police? Why isn't an independent authority doing this work? With the current case this question has once again become urgent. An independent authority would be better for everyone concerned. The police wouldn't have to constantly deal with accusations of internal wheeling and dealing. And the general public would have more trust in the investigations.”

Expressen (SE) /

Stun guns to avoid escalation

The police must change its ways, Expressen demands:

“As soon as possible the police must receive better training on how to communicate with those who have a disability or are mentally ill. According to the police union, officers are not adequately trained in this regard. ... The best thing, of course, would be to avoid lethal violence. In a bid to reduce the use of service weapons, pilot projects using stun guns have been initiated in many Swedish municipalities. ... Stun guns can't completely replace service weapons. Nevertheless it is to be hoped that the use - or even the sight - of such guns can help de-escalate situations before they become menacing.”