Jomshof resigns amid allegations of inciting hatred in Sweden

Richard Jomshof, the chair of the Justice Committee in Sweden, has stepped down from his position amid allegations of inciting hatred against a group. In an interview, he revealed that he will face accusations following his sharing of two satirical images on social media platform X.

Expert in freedom of speech, Nils Funcke, stated that one of the images could be classified as incitement against a group. It depicts a Muslim family entering a house labeled “Europe” and setting it ablaze. Funcke described this image as highly generalizing and showing contempt for an entire group based on their religion.

The second image features a jihadist warrior asking for rescue from the sea, only to push other passengers off a boat labeled “England” with an oar inscribed with “Rape Jihad”. Funcke does not believe this qualifies as incitement against a group, as it targets extremists rather than an entire population.

Funcke noted that if Jomshof’s two posts are evaluated collectively rather than separately, it may influence the legal outcome. Together, the images might be viewed as satire directed at Islamism instead of Muslims, potentially avoiding the classification of incitement.

He emphasized the strong position of freedom of speech in Sweden, highlighting a tendency to acquit rather than convict in such cases. According to Funcke, each publication must be judged on its individual merits, and it is possible that no charges will ultimately be brought.