Inquiry into religious radicalisation to focus on political Islam and infiltration in Swedish society

Sweden has significant integration problems. Social exclusion has been on the rise for many years, and its negative consequences are particularly evident in certain geographical areas. This has adverse effects both on individuals, and on society as a whole. The Government considers that religious radicalisation, including political Islam, may increase polarisation which can negatively affect integration and increase social exclusion. It can also pose a threat to our democratic society.

“Sweden’s freedoms must apply in every part of the country and to everyone who lives here. We need a deeper understanding of how radical and anti-democratic ideas affect individuals and social cohesion. Sweden must stand firm in its defence of democracy, gender equality and individual freedoms. This inquiry is therefore important in highlighting the forces seeking to undermine integration and democracy,” says Minister for Education and Integration Simona Mohamsson.

“Religious radicalisation is a serious problem for Sweden. Groups seeking to create their own communities, completely separated from the rest of Sweden, are harmful to both the rule of law and to integration. We need to speak openly about this. We need a better understanding of what drives radicalisation and its consequences so that we can build a cohesive and resilient Sweden,” says Kristina Axén Olin, group leader for the Moderate Party on the Committee on Cultural Affairs.

“Islamism as a political ideology threatens several fundamental values of Sweden’s democratic society. Another problem is that parts of the Islamist movement consider violence both acceptable and necessary as a means to promote certain political goals. There are plenty of reasons for investigating political Islam and infiltration in Swedish society,” says Hans Eklind, Member of the Riksdag representing the Christian Democrats.

“For far too long, Sweden has turned a blind eye to how Islamists have been able to establish parallel structures in society, thereby posing a threat to our democracy, gender equality, and fundamental freedoms and rights. We are now seeing how these forces are penetrating ever deeper into the democratic fabric. To counter this threat, an inquiry that examines the extent of the problem and how Islamist networks are trying to infiltrate Swedish society is an important step in the right direction,” says Richard Jomshof, Member of the Riksdag representing the Sweden Democrats.

The inquiry will examine the occurrence, extent and development of religious radicalisation in Sweden, with a focus on political Islam. It will also describe and analyse the consequences for institutions and the functioning of democratic society, including infiltration and undue or improper influence. Finally, the inquiry will propose measures to prevent and counter religious radicalisation that leads to negative consequences.

The Government’s work to strengthen integration and reduce social exclusion is based on the premise that Sweden is a country with democratic values, stable public institutions and a high degree of legal certainty. Individual freedoms and rights, such as freedom of expression and freedom of religion, are central. Religious radicalisation may give rise to parallel social structures and forces with the potential to threaten Sweden’s democratic system.