Rival rallies clash in Stockholm

One of the leaders of the Swedish wing of the Nordic Resistance Movement, Pär Öberg, said that “mass immigration is orchestrated by the globalists” and welcomed Donald Trump’s election victory. He also praised the rally as the largest one organized by the Nordic Resistance Movement, an openly national socialist movement and party.

At midday, the NRM members and supporters had began their march to the city’s Parliament, the biggest demonstration by the nationalists in Scandanavia for years. The organizers claim over 700 people took part in the demonstration while authorities place the figure at 600. The group were met by Antifa protestors, who they have previously clashed with, in the Old Town of Sweden’s capital. Troublemakers from two large rival demonstrations also staged in the Swedish capital, were trying to break through the police line.

The left wing rival demonstration had only been granted permission to stage a standstill protest at Stockolm’s main squere by the authorities, but made their way towards the NRM demonstration. Photo: FWM

Police had cordoned off large parts of the city center in a bid to separate the rival rallies, but sadly, it came to clashes, as counter protesters were hurling firecrackers and sparklers at nationalists in the area between the Kungstradgarden Park and the Gustav Adolf Square.

They attacked police officers too, a police spokesperson, Kjell Lindgren, told Göteborgs Posten, adding that at least ten counter protesters were detained as a result of these incidents.

Masked left wing “antifa” demonstrators clash with police. Note the slingshot in the hands of one of the militants. Photo: FWM

The counter-demonstrators began throwing eggs, stones, ice and flares at the police, who were preventing them from getting through to the NRM march. At least one police officer sustained injuries, and several people were taken away from the scenes in ambulances.

Police spokesperson Lars Bystom said that the exact number of detainees remains unclear, but guessed “we have suspended or removed 50”.

SWEDEN – Left-wing extremists turn Stockholm’s old town into warzone. https://t.co/M4tkkxOG4e pic.twitter.com/UPecsjgpEd

— Voice of Europe (@V_of_Europe) November 12, 2016

Norwegians were also present and told a Scandanavian news channel that they were fighting for the survival and freedom of the Nordic People. The violence at the protests was anticipated, with the American Embassy warning any of its citizens in Stockholm to avoid large crowds. The organization is present in Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark, according to Sverige Radio.

The demonstration march past the Royal Palace and approach the Parliament building. Photo: FWM

Some areas were also closed off, affecting traffic and public transport around the city.

The demonstrators gathered for the rally in the central Kungstradgarden park around 11:00 am local time (10:00am GMT), then marched through the city center to Mynttorget Square, opposite the Swedish parliament building.

Swedish media also reported that additional police forces were sent to Stockholm from Malmo and some other cities to separate the demonstrations and ensure public order.