Sweden Must Hold the U.S. Accountable

Through its covert CIA operations, the U.S. has once again violated Sweden’s sovereignty. The probable crimes which have been committed must be investigated. The government ought to consider all diplomatic measures to censure the U.S., writes Jens Holm (The Left Party).

When a country’s territory is violated it is usually considered serious — at least, if it is a Western nation that is subject to violation. We remember, for example, the submarine violations back in the 1980s.

Since the terrorist attack in New York on September 11, 2001, the rules have changed and the CIA has assumed the right to act, even with lethal force, all around the world. This hasn’t created any direct consequences for the U.S.

In the name of the war on terror the U.S. has entered country after country and carried out operations which under normal circumstances never would have been accepted. This also applies to Sweden.

It is also worth recalling the operation which was carried out at Bromma Airport, where CIA agents, with Swedish authorities’ consent, abducted two Egyptian nationals. One of the abductees still sits imprisoned in Egypt. Sweden has been convicted by international agencies for violating the Egyptians’ human rights, while the U.S. has escaped censure.

It was recently revealed that personnel in the U.S. embassy in Sweden had spied on Swedish citizens. This led to outraged feelings, questions and debates with ministers. The embassy promised and asserted that they would participate in an investigation, but when it came to the crunch the U.S. put a lid on it. Quite simply, the Swedish authorities closed the investigation of any crime against Swedish citizens. Until now, no one has been made to take responsibility; in addition, it has been impossible to investigate how serious the crimes were. Swedish citizens therefore cannot expect any redress.

And now CIA agents have been shown to have commenced systematic undercover operations on Swedish soil; it is not the first time our sovereignty has been violated by the U.S. The gravity of the situation is appreciated once one realizes that the agents in all probability have committed very serious crimes — illegal intelligence and probably weapons offenses as well. Both offenses can incur several years’ prison terms.

It is utterly unacceptable and furthermore an action that violates Swedish law and wholly contravenes international law.

The information which has so far come to light shows that Säpo (security police) became aware of the U.S.’s illegal operation in the process of its own reconnaissance on persons suspected of being terrorists.. Säpo then interrupted the CIA agents’ activities. Of course there is great risk for the Swedish police’s operations if foreign agents disrupt them.

However, one must ask why the security police chose not to arrest the agents in question and why it hasn’t led to an inquiry. Is it evidence of the usual compliance with the U.S.? Unfortunately, I believe so.

In February 2008, 22 CIA agents were arrested in Italy after having committed similar crimes — unlawful undercover operations which led to the kidnapping of an Egyptian man by agents on an open street. The judgment of the Italian court led to the agents being sentenced to between five and eight years in prison.

Now we must put an end to the violations of Swedish sovereignty which steadily continue. The security services should immediately initiate a preliminary investigation into the agents who were found on Swedish soil during the operation. The fact that we lost the opportunity for on-site arrest of these agents cannot be an excuse for not investigating the incident as a crime. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should also use all available diplomatic measures to highlight that Sweden shall not accept these infringements.

That the U.S. has made a habit of entering country after country, performing operations to kidnap and transport people out of the nation in question, is a threat against all who have any radical views. I would hope that people who use their freedom of speech in Sweden feel safe, regardless of their origins, religion or political beliefs.

If a crime is committed in Sweden or if there is any reason to believe that someone plans a terrorist attack, then it is the Swedish authorities’ responsibility to investigate and prosecute these crimes. It is an important principle that the Swedish government now must vigorously defend.