Sweden’s far-right rally and the burning of the Koran last weekend sparked outrage around the world – and could jeopardize the Scandinavian country’s entry into NATO. The targeted provocation was paid for by a right-wing extremist publicist who used to work for the Russian propaganda channel RT.
Swedish-Danish right-wing extremist Rasmus Paludan, who burned a copy of the Islamic holy book last Saturday, told Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter that the action was not his idea. The suggestion previously came from far-right Swedish journalist Chang Frick and another relevant publicist. “It was their idea to burn the Koran in front of the Turkish embassy,” says Paludan.
‘I didn’t want to upset Muslims’
Frick also paid the fee for requesting the demo of 320 Swedish kronor (about 28 euros). Frick confirmed the payment to “Dagens Nyheter”. However, in an interview with the Swedish newspaper “Expressen”, the far-right online journalist explained that he was unaware that Paludan wanted to burn the Quran. He wanted to take a stand “against Turkey”; it was not his intention to “anger Muslims”, Frick claimed.
Chang Frick, now editor-in-chief of the far-right online publication Nyheter Idag, used to work as a freelance journalist for a subsidiary of the Russian propaganda channel RT. In 2019, the “New York Times” wrote about Frick being called a Russian spy in Sweden. “Putin is my real boss,” he jokingly told the American newspaper.
Appeared in Russian propaganda broadcasts
In an interview with the independent Russian medium “The Insider”, Frick explained that he has not worked for RT since 2014 and has not supported any Russian activities since then. Now he helps Ukrainian refugees and raises money for them, says the 39-year-old. According to “Insider,” Frick has visited Moscow several times in the past and has also appeared on Russian propaganda programs.
Whether initiated by the former Kremlin propagandist or not, or even directly ordered by the Kremlin, the hate demonstration is playing into Russia’s hands. Moscow wants to prevent any expansion of NATO it sees as a threat.
Sweden’s NATO membership is shaky
Currently, Schwedne’s entry into the Western military alliance is actually shaky. Due to the burning of the Koran, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared on Monday that Sweden cannot count on Turkey’s support to join NATO. “If you don’t show respect for the Turkish Republic or the religious beliefs of Muslims, then you can’t get any support from us in terms of NATO,” Erdogan said in Ankara. Because of its blocking attitude, Finland has announced that it will join the military alliance on its own if necessary.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
