With milder winters in Sweden members of the country's indigenous Sami community herd 'Reindeer' are spending more money searching for food. Watch report.

Sweden: Climate change forces Sami Reindeer herders to adapt

The world is watching Sweden. Sweden chose to stay open while half of the world was under lockdown. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Were Swedes wrong to reject lockdown?

A Swedish couple has opened a "COVID-19-safe" restaurant in a meadow with one chair and one table and on Sunday (May 10) the "Table for One" pop-up restaurant welcomed its first guest.

COVID-19-safe pop-up restaurant opens in meadow with one chair, one table

Sweden's chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell has become the unlikely subject of a tattoo, immortalised on the arm of one of his fans, Gustav Lloyd Agerblad.

Swedes agree with Tegnell's COVID-19 strategy for Sweden

No strict travel restrictions put on the public in Sweden. Watch this video to know more.

No strict travel restrictions put on the public in Sweden

<p>As the news of&nbsp;Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain's death was reported, his well-wishers demanded that a proper investigation be launched by the Swedish authorities. His friends, activists and journalists, are alleging&nbsp;Pakistan's spy agency, ISI, to be behind his tragic death.</p>

<p>Sajid Hussain, went to Sweden in 2012 as an exile, and had been missing. His dead body was found on April 23 in the Fyris river outside Uppsala.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/swedish-police-find-body-of-missing-baloch-journalist-296195"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Swedish police find body of missing Baloch journalist</strong></a></p>

<p>"The Baloch people are in shock. The Baloch are facing genocide in Balochistan but now even Baloch refugees are not safe in a country like Sweden. We demand proper investigations of this ruthless murder and to provide proper protection to the Baloch people in Europe and other parts of the world,"&nbsp;Professor Naela Quadri, President of the Baloch People`s Congress was quoted by ANI.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thread:<br />
Body of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SajidHussain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SajidHussain</a>, our varsity friend, and a fellow journalist, has been found today in Sweden. I am sharing some of his explosive journalistic work (among many others) published in The News about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Balochistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Balochistan</a> that has landed him into trouble. 1</p>
— Zia Ur Rehman (@zalmayzia) <a href="https://twitter.com/zalmayzia/status/1256284561815863297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hussain was the Editor-in-Chief of Balochistan Times. His wife has revealed that Hussain suspected he was being followed before he fled to Sweden. She said that her husband's report on&nbsp;a top drug lord Imam Bheel in 2012 had landed him amid some threats, following which he left Pakistan.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pak-summons-senior-indian-diplomat-over-alleged-ceasefire-violation-296267"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Pak summons senior Indian diplomat over alleged ceasefire violation</strong></a></p>

<p>"Then some people broke into his house in Quetta when he was out investigating a story. They took away his laptop and other papers too. After that he left Pakistan in September 2012 and never came back," his wife was quoted in <em>Dawn.</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Saddened to hear about the murder of journalist Sajid Hussain. The <a href="https://twitter.com/SweMFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SweMFA</a> govt owes it to his family to@investigate the case and ensure that they find who is behind the gruesome act of killing a refugee</p>
— Ayesha Siddiqa (@iamthedrifter) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamthedrifter/status/1256195675479584769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hussain was known for writing about the human rights violations, state brutalities and barbarism in Balochistan. Like other activists and journalists, who stand up against the barbaric conditions of Balochistan, Hussain too feared for his life.</p>

<p>The Committee to Protest Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders also offered their condolences and demanded a proper investigation be launched.</p>

<p>Balochistan Times also offered condolences on his tragic death. "As a journalist, he was compassionate and wrote extensively on the suffering of the Baloch people. His work often got him into trouble as the authorities did not like his reporting of Balochistan`s forbidden stories, the reason he had to leave and live in exile."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the news of Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain's death was reported, his well-wishers demanded that a proper investigation be launched by the Swedish authorities.

As the news of Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain's death was reported, his well-wishers demanded that a proper investigation be launched by the Swedish authorities. His friends, activists and journalists, are alleging Pakistan's spy agency, ISI, to be behind his tragic death. Sajid Hussain, went to Sweden in 2012 as an exile, and had been missing. His dead body was found on April 23 in the Fyris river outside Uppsala. Also read: Swedish police find body of missing Baloch journalist "The Baloch people are in shock. The Baloch are facing genocide in Balochistan but now even Baloch refugees are not safe in a country like Sweden. We demand proper investigations of this ruthless murder and to provide proper protection to the Baloch people in Europe and other parts of the world," Professor Naela Quadri, President of the Baloch People`s Congress was quoted by ANI. Thread: Body of #SajidHussain, our varsity friend, and a fellow journalist, has been found today in Sweden. I am sharing some of his explosive journalistic work (among many others) published in The News about #Balochistan that has landed him into trouble. 1 — Zia Ur Rehman (@zalmayzia) May 1, 2020 × Hussain was the Editor-in-Chief of Balochistan Times. His wife has revealed that Hussain suspected he was being followed before he fled to Sweden. She said that her husband's report on a top drug lord Imam Bheel in 2012 had landed him amid some threats, following which he left Pakistan. Also read: Pak summons senior Indian diplomat over alleged ceasefire violation "Then some people broke into his house in Quetta when he was out investigating a story. They took away his laptop and other papers too. After that he left Pakistan in September 2012 and never came back," his wife was quoted in Dawn. Saddened to hear about the murder of journalist Sajid Hussain. The @SweMFA govt owes it to his family to@investigate the case and ensure that they find who is behind the gruesome act of killing a refugee — Ayesha Siddiqa (@iamthedrifter) May 1, 2020 × Hussain was known for writing about the human rights violations, state brutalities and barbarism in Balochistan. Like other activists and journalists, who stand up against the barbaric conditions of Balochistan, Hussain too feared for his life. The Committee to Protest Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders also offered their condolences and demanded a proper investigation be launched. Balochistan Times also offered condolences on his tragic death. "As a journalist, he was compassionate and wrote extensively on the suffering of the Baloch people. His work often got him into trouble as the authorities did not like his reporting of Balochistan`s forbidden stories, the reason he had to leave and live in exile." (With inputs from agencies)

ISI behind Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain's death, say well-wishers

<p>A new restaurant in Sweden is taking social distancing to another level. The restaurant will be called Bord för En, or Table for One, will serve only one guest in the middle of a field, via a basket attached to a rope out of the kitchen window.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Swedish couple Rasmus Persson and Linda Karlsson came up with the idea after having lunch with Karlsson's parents. The restaurant will be opening on May 10 and will be open till August 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sweden is currently not under lockdown and the country has asked to practice social distancing rather than self-isolation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Swedish couple thought of such a restaurant after Persson, who is also a former chef, served lunch to his in-laws through a window to a nicely set table outside.</p>

<p>"We should make this available for everyone," Karlsson said they thought afterwards. "It will be the only COVID-19-safe restaurant in the world." Website for Bord för En the same night.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="n" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6deda90a-9189-4f34-a797-87c065dbe036" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_31.jpg" /></p>

<p>Karlsson has kept the hygiene in check and said that the restaurant will sanitize the table and wash the dishes twice.&nbsp;<br />
"We want to be able to concentrate on that sole guest when preparing the meal. But also, it is a way for us to be able to control that the guest's experience will be totally COVID-19-free," Karlsson said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The menu will offer a three-course meal prepared by Persson and will include drinks by well-known bar owner Joel Söderbäck. The sample menu would include includes Råraka, a Swedish-style hash brown with seaweed caviar and wood-plucked sorrel, and Black &amp; Yellow, yellow carrot-ginger purée with browned hazelnut butter and sweet corn croquettes.</p>

<p><img alt="m " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11b7222d-87a6-461f-bada-ed650a71a245" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_28.jpg" /></p>

<p>"We are all are facing difficult times and there are people that have lost their jobs, loved ones, or even their mind. We welcome all, no matter what financial situation you are in," Karlsson said.</p>


A new restaurant in Sweden is taking social distancing to another level. The restaurant will be called Bord för En, or Table for One, will serve only one guest in the middle of a field, via a basket attached to a rope out of the kitchen window.

A new restaurant in Sweden is taking social distancing to another level. The restaurant will be called Bord för En, or Table for One, will serve only one guest in the middle of a field, via a basket attached to a rope out of the kitchen window. A Swedish couple Rasmus Persson and Linda Karlsson came up with the idea after having lunch with Karlsson's parents. The restaurant will be opening on May 10 and will be open till August 1. Sweden is currently not under lockdown and the country has asked to practice social distancing rather than self-isolation. The Swedish couple thought of such a restaurant after Persson, who is also a former chef, served lunch to his in-laws through a window to a nicely set table outside. "We should make this available for everyone," Karlsson said they thought afterwards. "It will be the only COVID-19-safe restaurant in the world." Website for Bord för En the same night. Karlsson has kept the hygiene in check and said that the restaurant will sanitize the table and wash the dishes twice. "We want to be able to concentrate on that sole guest when preparing the meal. But also, it is a way for us to be able to control that the guest's experience will be totally COVID-19-free," Karlsson said. The menu will offer a three-course meal prepared by Persson and will include drinks by well-known bar owner Joel Söderbäck. The sample menu would include includes Råraka, a Swedish-style hash brown with seaweed caviar and wood-plucked sorrel, and Black & Yellow, yellow carrot-ginger purée with browned hazelnut butter and sweet corn croquettes. "We are all are facing difficult times and there are people that have lost their jobs, loved ones, or even their mind. We welcome all, no matter what financial situation you are in," Karlsson said.

Table for one! Swedish restaurant takes social distancing to another level

A number of Confucius institutes meant to promote Chinese language were operating in Sweden. The Swedish govt has now decided to shut these Beijing-backed schools. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why.

Gravitas: Why are Sweden-China ties turning hostile?

In Sweden, these days visitors are enjoying winters like never before. Around 50,000 tourists gathered at the ice hotel in Kiruna, which is made completely from ice & snow.

Sweden: Tourist flood Jukkasjarvi ice hotel

<p>Nestled in the lap of unparalleled beauty, Sweden is home to many gems to lure travellers from across the world. The Scandinavian nation has one more attraction to explore which is a newly-opened luxury spa hotel afloat on Lule River in Swedish Lapland.</p>

<p>Arctic Bath recently opened its gates to travellers and offers some of the most scintillating, breathtaking experiences to its visitors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The floating hotel is connected to the land via a wooden walkway, designed to stay afloat in the summer and freeze into the lake during the winters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The luxury hotel designed by architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi has 12 rooms - 6 of them are floating cabins while the rest are built on the land near the lakeshore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The main attraction of the Scandinavian retreat is a giant ice bath, strictly meant of the dauntless, while those too wary to brave the icy cold can warm up in cosy hot tubs, saunas and enjoy relaxing spa experiences.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haida-gwaii-pristine-canadian-remote-islands-where-only-12-tourists-are-allowed-at-a-time-279285">Pristine Canadian remote islands where only 12 tourists are allowed at a time&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>The hotel is all things wellness with yoga and mindfulness sessions for its visitors and a specially designed menu to please the palate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The restaurant uses locally-sourced ingredients to serve a gourmet spread to the visitors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With breathtaking views and soul-stirring wellness experience, the hotel offers a much-needed dialogue with nature and detox from the urban lifestyle.</p>

<p>Arctic Bath is around over an hour away from the Lulea&nbsp;Airport.</p>

<p>Those who book a stay at the scenic property during the winter would also get to gaze at the mystical Northern Lights light up the sky.</p>


Nestled in the lap of unparalleled beauty, Sweden is home to many gems to lure travellers from across the world. The Scandinavian nation has one more attraction to explore which is a newly-opened luxury spa hotel afloat on Lule River in Swedish Lapland.

Nestled in the lap of unparalleled beauty, Sweden is home to many gems to lure travellers from across the world. The Scandinavian nation has one more attraction to explore which is a newly-opened luxury spa hotel afloat on Lule River in Swedish Lapland. Arctic Bath recently opened its gates to travellers and offers some of the most scintillating, breathtaking experiences to its visitors. The floating hotel is connected to the land via a wooden walkway, designed to stay afloat in the summer and freeze into the lake during the winters. The luxury hotel designed by architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi has 12 rooms - 6 of them are floating cabins while the rest are built on the land near the lakeshore. The main attraction of the Scandinavian retreat is a giant ice bath, strictly meant of the dauntless, while those too wary to brave the icy cold can warm up in cosy hot tubs, saunas and enjoy relaxing spa experiences. Also read: Pristine Canadian remote islands where only 12 tourists are allowed at a time The hotel is all things wellness with yoga and mindfulness sessions for its visitors and a specially designed menu to please the palate. The restaurant uses locally-sourced ingredients to serve a gourmet spread to the visitors. With breathtaking views and soul-stirring wellness experience, the hotel offers a much-needed dialogue with nature and detox from the urban lifestyle. Arctic Bath is around over an hour away from the Lulea Airport. Those who book a stay at the scenic property during the winter would also get to gaze at the mystical Northern Lights light up the sky.

Sweden's newly-opened 'floating hotel' offers daunting ice baths, relaxing saunas and dialogue with nature

<p>Climate activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/greta-thunberg-steals-the-spotlight-at-davos-summit-276455">Greta Thunberg</a> has applied to register her name and her global campaign ''<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-greta-thunberg-275649">Fridays For Future</a>'' which she had founded in 2018.</p>

<p>The 17-year-old took to Instagram on Wednesday to express her annoyance and to inform her followers of the future course of action of her campaign.</p>

<p>"My name and the #FridaysForFuture movement are constantly being used for commercial purposes without any consent whatsoever," she wrote in a post she shared her Instagram account.</p>

<p>She complained that "there are still people who are trying to impersonate me or falsely claim that they 'represent' me in order to communicate with high profile people, politicians, media, artists etc."</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-greta-thunberg-275649">Meet Greta Thunberg, the pioneer of climate activism</a></strong></p>

<p>There had also been incidents of marketing, selling products and collection of money "in my and the movement's name," she wrote.</p>

<p>"That is why I've applied to register my name, Fridays For Future as trademarks. This action is to protect the movement and its activities."</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B76KMRjJPRn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Impostors, trademarks, commercial interests, royalties and foundation... First: Unfortunately there are still people who are trying to impersonate me or falsely claim that they "represent" me in order to communicate with high profile people, politicians, media, artists etc. Please be aware that this is happening and be extremely suspicious if you are contacted by ”me” or someone saying they ”represent” me. I apologize to anyone who has been contacted - and even misled - by this kind of behavior. Second: My name and the #FridaysForFuture movement are constantly being used for commercial purposes without any consent whatsoever. It happens for instance in marketing, selling of products and people collecting money in my and the movement’s name. That is why I’ve applied to register my name, Fridays For Future, Skolstrejk för klimatet etc as trademarks. This action is to protect the movement and its activities. It is also needed to enable my pro bono legal help to take necessary action against people or corporations etc who are trying to use me and the movement in purposes not in line with what the movement stands for. I assure you, I and the other school strikers have absolutely no interests in trademarks. But unfortunately it needs to be done. Fridays For Future is a global movement founded by me. It belongs to anyone taking part in it, above all the young people. It can - and must - not be used for individual or commercial purposes. And third: together with my family I’m setting up a foundation. It’s already registered and existing, but it not is not yet up and running. This is strictly nonprofit of course and there are no interests in philanthropy. It is just something that is needed for handling money (book royalties, donations, prize money etc) in a completely transparent way. For instance, taxes have to be paid before we can give them away to specified purposes and charities. This takes a lot of time and work, and when the foundation is fully up and running I will tell you more. The foundation’s aim will be to promote ecological, climatic and social sustainability as well as mental health. Love/ Greta</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gretathunberg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Greta Thunberg</a> (@gretathunberg) on <time datetime="2020-01-29T15:33:30+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 29, 2020 at 7:33am PST</time></p>
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<p>This move would allow legitimate action against persons or companies trying to hijack her&nbsp;name or the movement's which are not in line with its values.</p>

<p>"I assure you, I and the other school strikers have absolutely no interests in trademarks. But unfortunately, it needs to be done," she said on the social network.</p>

<p>She insisted that the foundation would be "completely transparent," for instance, with regard to the taxes it has to pay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The foundation's aim will be to promote ecological, climatic and social sustainability, as well as mental health," the campaigner wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/greta-thunberg-steals-the-spotlight-at-davos-summit-276455">Greta Thunberg steals the spotlight at Davos summit&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-gets-amnesty-prize-225552">Thunberg</a>, whose protests have attracted millions of young people across the globe, also said she was setting up a non-profit-making foundation to handle the financial side of "Fridays for Future", such as book royalties, donations and prize money.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thunberg said she had also applied to trademark "Skolstrejk for klimatet" (school strike for the climate) in Swedish which is&nbsp;written on the placard she has held since she started her one-person protest outside the Swedish parliament in 2018, for which she missed school.</p>

<p>Since then, she has become the face behind the worldwide climate change protests and movements, particularly for youngsters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thunberg was also thoroughly criticized from climate changes deniers, who accused her of being manipulated by a "green lobby".</p>

<p>Thunberg, who was the centre of attraction at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/greta-thunberg-steals-the-spotlight-at-davos-summit-276455">Global Economic Forum</a> in Davos this month, along her fellow teen activists in the movement asked politicians to listen to climate scientists and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-climate-activist-thunberg-asks-us-congress-for-action-not-praise-250336">take action </a>to control global warming.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Climate activist Greta Thunberg has applied to register her name and her global campaign ''Fridays For Future'' which she had founded in 2018. The 17-year-old took to Instagram on Wednesday to express her annoyance and to inform her followers of the future course of action of her campaign.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has applied to register her name and her global campaign ''Fridays For Future'' which she had founded in 2018. The 17-year-old took to Instagram on Wednesday to express her annoyance and to inform her followers of the future course of action of her campaign. "My name and the #FridaysForFuture movement are constantly being used for commercial purposes without any consent whatsoever," she wrote in a post she shared her Instagram account. She complained that "there are still people who are trying to impersonate me or falsely claim that they 'represent' me in order to communicate with high profile people, politicians, media, artists etc." Also see: Meet Greta Thunberg, the pioneer of climate activism There had also been incidents of marketing, selling products and collection of money "in my and the movement's name," she wrote. "That is why I've applied to register my name, Fridays For Future as trademarks. This action is to protect the movement and its activities." View this post on Instagram Impostors, trademarks, commercial interests, royalties and foundation... First: Unfortunately there are still people who are trying to impersonate me or falsely claim that they "represent" me in order to communicate with high profile people, politicians, media, artists etc. Please be aware that this is happening and be extremely suspicious if you are contacted by ”me” or someone saying they ”represent” me. I apologize to anyone who has been contacted - and even misled - by this kind of behavior. Second: My name and the #FridaysForFuture movement are constantly being used for commercial purposes without any consent whatsoever. It happens for instance in marketing, selling of products and people collecting money in my and the movement’s name. That is why I’ve applied to register my name, Fridays For Future, Skolstrejk för klimatet etc as trademarks. This action is to protect the movement and its activities. It is also needed to enable my pro bono legal help to take necessary action against people or corporations etc who are trying to use me and the movement in purposes not in line with what the movement stands for. I assure you, I and the other school strikers have absolutely no interests in trademarks. But unfortunately it needs to be done. Fridays For Future is a global movement founded by me. It belongs to anyone taking part in it, above all the young people. It can - and must - not be used for individual or commercial purposes. And third: together with my family I’m setting up a foundation. It’s already registered and existing, but it not is not yet up and running. This is strictly nonprofit of course and there are no interests in philanthropy. It is just something that is needed for handling money (book royalties, donations, prize money etc) in a completely transparent way. For instance, taxes have to be paid before we can give them away to specified purposes and charities. This takes a lot of time and work, and when the foundation is fully up and running I will tell you more. The foundation’s aim will be to promote ecological, climatic and social sustainability as well as mental health. Love/ Greta A post shared by Greta Thunberg (@gretathunberg) on Jan 29, 2020 at 7:33am PST × This move would allow legitimate action against persons or companies trying to hijack her name or the movement's which are not in line with its values. "I assure you, I and the other school strikers have absolutely no interests in trademarks. But unfortunately, it needs to be done," she said on the social network. She insisted that the foundation would be "completely transparent," for instance, with regard to the taxes it has to pay. "The foundation's aim will be to promote ecological, climatic and social sustainability, as well as mental health," the campaigner wrote. Also read: Greta Thunberg steals the spotlight at Davos summit Thunberg, whose protests have attracted millions of young people across the globe, also said she was setting up a non-profit-making foundation to handle the financial side of "Fridays for Future", such as book royalties, donations and prize money. Thunberg said she had also applied to trademark "Skolstrejk for klimatet" (school strike for the climate) in Swedish which is written on the placard she has held since she started her one-person protest outside the Swedish parliament in 2018, for which she missed school. Since then, she has become the face behind the worldwide climate change protests and movements, particularly for youngsters. Thunberg was also thoroughly criticized from climate changes deniers, who accused her of being manipulated by a "green lobby". Thunberg, who was the centre of attraction at the Global Economic Forum in Davos this month, along her fellow teen activists in the movement asked politicians to listen to climate scientists and take action to control global warming.

Greta Thunberg files application to patent her name and campaign 'Fridays For Future'

<p>According to a report, the European nation of Denmark is the world's best place to raise children. Last year, the country stood second to Sweden which bagged the second spot this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On number three, Norway retained its spot the same as last year followed by Canada and Netherlands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Australia is the ninth-best place in the world to raise children, the United Kingdom stood at number 11. The United States was ranked 18th on the list.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/survey-reveals-three-of-worlds-top-10-fastest-growing-cities-are-from-kerala-275133">Survey reveals three of world's top 10 fastest-growing cities are from Kerala</a></strong></p>

<p>Some cheer was in store for India as it moved up from last year's 65th spot to 59th position this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The survey, titled Best Countries Report, is being conducted annually since 2016 by US News &amp; World Report and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-announces-free-fertility-treatment-to-couples-in-a-bid-to-boost-its-declining-population-273629">Hungary announces free fertility treatment to couples in a bid to boost its declining population</a></strong></p>

<p>The survey on determining the best countries for raising children is done keeping in mind attributes like human rights, family-friendly environment, status on gender equality, income equality, safety and the state of public education and health care systems in countries across the globe.</p>


According to a report, the European nation of Denmark is the world's best place to raise children. Last year, the country stood second to Sweden which bagged the second spot this year.

According to a report, the European nation of Denmark is the world's best place to raise children. Last year, the country stood second to Sweden which bagged the second spot this year. On number three, Norway retained its spot the same as last year followed by Canada and Netherlands. While Australia is the ninth-best place in the world to raise children, the United Kingdom stood at number 11. The United States was ranked 18th on the list. Also read: Survey reveals three of world's top 10 fastest-growing cities are from Kerala Some cheer was in store for India as it moved up from last year's 65th spot to 59th position this year. The survey, titled Best Countries Report, is being conducted annually since 2016 by US News & World Report and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Also read: Hungary announces free fertility treatment to couples in a bid to boost its declining population The survey on determining the best countries for raising children is done keeping in mind attributes like human rights, family-friendly environment, status on gender equality, income equality, safety and the state of public education and health care systems in countries across the globe.

Denmark, Sweden, Norway are world's best countries to raise children; India bags 59th spot

<p>European equities were little changed in early trading. Britain's pound recovered from the 3 per cent&nbsp;loss it suffered as fear of a no-deal Brexit returned.</p>

<p>The pan-region STOXX 600&nbsp;bobbed in and out of the red. Britain's blue-chip index&nbsp;managed a 0.15 per cent&nbsp;rise before a Bank of England meeting.</p>

<p>Wall Street futures suggested the S&amp;P 500 would barely budge, after rising to a fifth consecutive record high on Wednesday. Earlier, Asian shares had pulled back from a one-and-a-half year peak as trading wound down before the end of the year.</p>

<p>Japan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asia-shares-eke-out-another-peak-pound-fears-brexit-redux-268851">Nikkei</a> fell 0.3 per cent&nbsp;and China's stocks slipped&nbsp;for the second session despite trade optimism. Australian shares ended 0.3 per cent&nbsp;lower, led lower by mining stocks.</p>

<p>Investors were also watching proceedings in Washington, where the Democratic-led US&nbsp;House of Representatives voted to impeach US&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-votes-to-impeach-trump-for-obstruction-of-congress-269040">President Donald Trump</a> for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.</p>

<p>Market reaction was limited since the Republican-controlled Senate is widely expected not to convict Trump and removed him from office.</p>

<p>In Sweden, the central bank raised its key rate to zero after five years in negative territory. Economists wondered whether Sweden's hot-running economy would react badly and whether other sub-zero rate central banks in the eurozone, Japan, Denmark, Switzerland and Hungary would follow suit.</p>

<p>The crown rose 0.2 per cent, again that had been widely flagged.</p>

<p>"At the end of the day, this market doesn't look at macro and earnings, it just looks at monetary developments," said Stéphane Barbier de la Serre, macro strategist at Makor Capital Markets. "If the market thinks central banks (globally) are done with being dovish then we would see some volatility."</p>

<p>The British pound gained after suffering heavy losses on concern Britain could still crash out of the European Union without a trade deal in place when a transition period ends in December 2020.</p>

<p>Traders were also waiting for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hedge-funds-gained-early-access-to-boe-press-conference-feeds-269131">Bank of England</a>'s last policy meeting of the year. No change in policy is expected, but more policy-makers might signal they could vote for an interest rate cut next year.</p>

<p>Sterling&nbsp;rose 0.2 per cent&nbsp;to $1.3105 after falling more than 3 per cent. It had reached an 18-month high on December&nbsp;13 after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party won a majority in a general election.</p>

<p>Against the euro, it stood at 84.94 pence, close to its weakest since December&nbsp;4. British inflation remained at a three-year low in November, data had shown on Wednesday.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Stay Easy</strong></p>

<p>Germany's benchmark 10-year bond yield crept towards the six-month highs it touched last week, with bond traders focussed on the day's central bank meetings.</p>

<p>After Sweden's move, Norway kept its rates at 1.5 per cent&nbsp;and reiterated it was likely to stay there for some time.</p>

<p>The Australian dollar jumped by 0.36 per cent&nbsp;to $0.6879 after better-than-expected labour-market data made interest rate cuts less likely.</p>

<p>The yen barely moved from 109.58 per dollar after the Bank of Japan kept its quantitative easing in place and issued a gloomier assessment on factory output.</p>

<p>In commodities, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-falls-as-us-inventories-rise-but-demand-hopes-stem-bigger-drop-268973">Brent crude</a>&nbsp;dipped 0.1 per cent&nbsp;to $66.10 per barrel. US&nbsp;crude also dipped 0.01 per cent&nbsp;to $60.86 a barrel after US&nbsp;government data showed a decline in crude inventories.</p>

<p>Prices are likely to be supported by production cuts coming from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, including Russia.</p>


European equities were little changed in early trading. Britain's pound recovered from the 3 per cent loss it suffered as fear of a no-deal Brexit returned. The pan-region STOXX 600 bobbed in and out of the red.

European equities were little changed in early trading. Britain's pound recovered from the 3 per cent loss it suffered as fear of a no-deal Brexit returned. The pan-region STOXX 600 bobbed in and out of the red. Britain's blue-chip index managed a 0.15 per cent rise before a Bank of England meeting. Wall Street futures suggested the S&P 500 would barely budge, after rising to a fifth consecutive record high on Wednesday. Earlier, Asian shares had pulled back from a one-and-a-half year peak as trading wound down before the end of the year. Japan's Nikkei fell 0.3 per cent and China's stocks slipped for the second session despite trade optimism. Australian shares ended 0.3 per cent lower, led lower by mining stocks. Investors were also watching proceedings in Washington, where the Democratic-led US House of Representatives voted to impeach US President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Market reaction was limited since the Republican-controlled Senate is widely expected not to convict Trump and removed him from office. In Sweden, the central bank raised its key rate to zero after five years in negative territory. Economists wondered whether Sweden's hot-running economy would react badly and whether other sub-zero rate central banks in the eurozone, Japan, Denmark, Switzerland and Hungary would follow suit. The crown rose 0.2 per cent, again that had been widely flagged. "At the end of the day, this market doesn't look at macro and earnings, it just looks at monetary developments," said Stéphane Barbier de la Serre, macro strategist at Makor Capital Markets. "If the market thinks central banks (globally) are done with being dovish then we would see some volatility." The British pound gained after suffering heavy losses on concern Britain could still crash out of the European Union without a trade deal in place when a transition period ends in December 2020. Traders were also waiting for the Bank of England's last policy meeting of the year. No change in policy is expected, but more policy-makers might signal they could vote for an interest rate cut next year. Sterling rose 0.2 per cent to $1.3105 after falling more than 3 per cent. It had reached an 18-month high on December 13 after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party won a majority in a general election. Against the euro, it stood at 84.94 pence, close to its weakest since December 4. British inflation remained at a three-year low in November, data had shown on Wednesday. Stay Easy Germany's benchmark 10-year bond yield crept towards the six-month highs it touched last week, with bond traders focussed on the day's central bank meetings. After Sweden's move, Norway kept its rates at 1.5 per cent and reiterated it was likely to stay there for some time. The Australian dollar jumped by 0.36 per cent to $0.6879 after better-than-expected labour-market data made interest rate cuts less likely. The yen barely moved from 109.58 per dollar after the Bank of Japan kept its quantitative easing in place and issued a gloomier assessment on factory output. In commodities, Brent crude dipped 0.1 per cent to $66.10 per barrel. US crude also dipped 0.01 per cent to $60.86 a barrel after US government data showed a decline in crude inventories. Prices are likely to be supported by production cuts coming from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, including Russia.

Stocks near record highs, Sweden ends negative rates

Earlier this week at least six people were killed and seven others who are still missing are feared to be dead. Thirty more people have been severely injured in the White Island volcano in Sweden. In latest information more volcanic eruptions are predicted in the coming days.

White island volcano spews more lava, police to access island today

Nobel medals are made of 18-carat green gold, Niklas Qvarnstrom is the only craftsman in Sweden to make the medals.

Story of the making of Nobel medals

<p>Carl XVI Gustaf King of Sweden and his wife Queen Silvia arrived in Uttarkhand on Thursday to visit the Ram Jhula Bridge in Rishikesh and Bathing Ghat in Haridwar.</p>

<p>The royal couple, who are on a five-day visit to India to strengthen <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sweden-to-work-together-on-sustainable-energy-artificial-intelligence-265775">bilateral ties</a>, was received by Uttarakhand's Protocol Minister Dhan Singh Rawat at the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.</p>

<p>In keeping with the King's interest to explore opportunities for Swedish companies in Namami Gange programme, he will also visit the Serai Sewage Treatment Plant in Haridwar for water treatment technologies later today, a statement said.</p>

<p>Swedish companies are working on a pilot project in Mohali, where the stubble from the farms is being converted to bio-coal.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/swedish-king-hubertus-queen-silvia-meet-pm-modi-at-hyderabad-house-265728">Swedish couple</a> took part in a cleanliness campaign at the Versova beach in Mumbai, along with young lawyer and Mumbai-based climate activist Afroz Shah.</p>

<p>After completing her engagements there, the Swedish King and Queen returned to Delhi, where the two visited the United Nations office to attend a seminar on human trafficking in India and South Asia.</p>

<p>Concluding their visit, the couple will emplane for New Delhi on Friday and thereafter will leave for Stockholm.</p>


Carl XVI Gustaf King of Sweden and his wife Queen Silvia arrived in Uttarkhand on Thursday to visit the Ram Jhula Bridge in Rishikesh and Bathing Ghat in Haridwar.

Carl XVI Gustaf King of Sweden and his wife Queen Silvia arrived in Uttarkhand on Thursday to visit the Ram Jhula Bridge in Rishikesh and Bathing Ghat in Haridwar. The royal couple, who are on a five-day visit to India to strengthen bilateral ties, was received by Uttarakhand's Protocol Minister Dhan Singh Rawat at the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. In keeping with the King's interest to explore opportunities for Swedish companies in Namami Gange programme, he will also visit the Serai Sewage Treatment Plant in Haridwar for water treatment technologies later today, a statement said. Swedish companies are working on a pilot project in Mohali, where the stubble from the farms is being converted to bio-coal. On Wednesday, the Swedish couple took part in a cleanliness campaign at the Versova beach in Mumbai, along with young lawyer and Mumbai-based climate activist Afroz Shah. After completing her engagements there, the Swedish King and Queen returned to Delhi, where the two visited the United Nations office to attend a seminar on human trafficking in India and South Asia. Concluding their visit, the couple will emplane for New Delhi on Friday and thereafter will leave for Stockholm.

Swedish royals reach Uttarakhand to visit Ram Jhula Bridge

<p>Sweden footballer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-ac-milan-offer-ibrahimovic-six-month-deal-reports-263650">Zlatan Ibrahimovic</a> has fuelled speculation that he is set to return to Italy, where he has played for AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus, by saying in an interview: "see you soon in Italy".</p>

<p>The 38-year-old striker confirmed his departure from Los Angeles Galaxy last month following the club's elimination from the Major League Soccer playoffs.</p>

<p>"I'll join a club which must get back to winning, which must renew its history and is in search of a battle against everyone and everything," Ibrahimovic&nbsp;told GQ Italia.</p>

<p>"That is the only way I'll be able to find the necessary motivation to surprise you again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's not just about choosing a team, as there are other factors that need to line up, including in the interests of my family.</p>

<p>"I'll see you in Italy soon."</p>

<p>According to reports in Italy, Ibrahimovic has been offered a six-month deal to come to the aid of struggling former giants AC Milan, who are 11th in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-skips-ballon-dor-to-receive-serie-a-player-of-the-year-award-in-italy-266021">Serie A</a> table.</p>

<p>Napoli are also a possible destination as last season's runners-up sit seventh, after a run of six league games without a win.</p>

<p>"I love to make the difference," he added. "I don't just want to do one or two things well, I want to do all of it."</p>

<p>Ibrahimovic played for two seasons between 2010 and 2012 with AC Milan, helping them to their last Serie A title, and scoring 42 goals in 61 league appearances.</p>

<p>He also won three league titles with Inter Milan, and two with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/martinez-fires-inter-top-of-serie-a-as-juventus-slip-up-265660">Juventus</a>, which were both revoked following the 'Calciopoli' match-fixing scandal.</p>


Sweden footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has fuelled speculation that he is set to return to Italy, where he has played for AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus, by saying in an interview: "see you soon in Italy".

Sweden footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has fuelled speculation that he is set to return to Italy, where he has played for AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus, by saying in an interview: "see you soon in Italy". The 38-year-old striker confirmed his departure from Los Angeles Galaxy last month following the club's elimination from the Major League Soccer playoffs. "I'll join a club which must get back to winning, which must renew its history and is in search of a battle against everyone and everything," Ibrahimovic told GQ Italia. "That is the only way I'll be able to find the necessary motivation to surprise you again. "It's not just about choosing a team, as there are other factors that need to line up, including in the interests of my family. "I'll see you in Italy soon." According to reports in Italy, Ibrahimovic has been offered a six-month deal to come to the aid of struggling former giants AC Milan, who are 11th in the Serie A table. Napoli are also a possible destination as last season's runners-up sit seventh, after a run of six league games without a win. "I love to make the difference," he added. "I don't just want to do one or two things well, I want to do all of it." Ibrahimovic played for two seasons between 2010 and 2012 with AC Milan, helping them to their last Serie A title, and scoring 42 goals in 61 league appearances. He also won three league titles with Inter Milan, and two with Juventus, which were both revoked following the 'Calciopoli' match-fixing scandal.

'See you soon in Italy': Ibrahimovic fuels talk of Serie A return

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/swedish-king-hubertus-queen-silvia-meet-pm-modi-at-hyderabad-house-265728">Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf </a>on Monday jointly inaugurated the India-Sweden High-Level Dialogue on Innovation Policy under which the two countries will jointly implement projects in strategic areas such as sustainable energy and artificial intelligence (AI) among others.</p>

<p>The dialogue aims to create a platform with key stakeholders in a triple helix format, with government, private, and academia providing overall strategic direction for joint innovation policy.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf Folke Hubertus and Queen Silvia Renate Sommerlath, visit the Jama Masjid. <a href="https://t.co/75D2H3psCh">pic.twitter.com/75D2H3psCh</a></p>
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<p>The initiative has been taken up in pursuance of the Joint Declaration on India-Sweden Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future, which was signed between the two countries during PM Modi's 2018 visit to Sweden.</p>

<p>Under the joint declaration, both the countries have agreed to optimise formal bilateral collaboration mechanisms, increase synergies between policy areas and enable the exchange of experiences and best practice regarding innovation policies for the creation of vibrant joint innovation ecosystems.</p>

<p>The high-level dialogue will aim to jointly formulate and implement short and long-term projects in strategic areas such as, but not limited to, circular economy, digital health, artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and future mobility.&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf on Monday jointly inaugurated the India-Sweden High-Level Dialogue on Innovation Policy under which the two countries will jointly implement projects in strategic areas such as sustainable energy and artificial intelligence (AI) among others.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf on Monday jointly inaugurated the India-Sweden High-Level Dialogue on Innovation Policy under which the two countries will jointly implement projects in strategic areas such as sustainable energy and artificial intelligence (AI) among others. The dialogue aims to create a platform with key stakeholders in a triple helix format, with government, private, and academia providing overall strategic direction for joint innovation policy. Delhi: Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf Folke Hubertus and Queen Silvia Renate Sommerlath, visit the Jama Masjid. pic.twitter.com/75D2H3psCh — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2019 × The initiative has been taken up in pursuance of the Joint Declaration on India-Sweden Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future, which was signed between the two countries during PM Modi's 2018 visit to Sweden. Under the joint declaration, both the countries have agreed to optimise formal bilateral collaboration mechanisms, increase synergies between policy areas and enable the exchange of experiences and best practice regarding innovation policies for the creation of vibrant joint innovation ecosystems. The high-level dialogue will aim to jointly formulate and implement short and long-term projects in strategic areas such as, but not limited to, circular economy, digital health, artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and future mobility.

India, Sweden to work together on sustainable energy, artificial intelligence

<p>Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf Folke Hubertus and Queen Silvia Renate Sommerlath on Monday met Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-wishes-bsf-personnel-on-raising-day-265508">Narendra Modi</a> at Hyderabad House. The royal couple is on a five-day visit to India.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, they were accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan and were received by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dutch-king-and-queen-meet-president-ram-nath-kovind-pm-modi-at-rashtrapati-bhawan-255745">Ram Nath Kovind</a> and his wife Savita Kovind.</p>

<p>Hubertus and Sommerlth also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.</p>

<p>The couple, on Tuesday, is slated to take part in a programme on `Tackling emissions and air pollution` at India Habitat Centre here.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, the dignitaries will emplane for Mumbai and meet the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan and will emplane for Dehradun the next day to visit Ram Jhula Bridge and Bathing Ghat in Uttarakhand.</p>

<p>Moreover, they will inaugurate the Sarai Sewage Treatment Plant in Haridwar the same day. Concluding their visit, the couple will emplane for New Delhi on Friday and thereafter will leave for Stockholm.</p>

<p>This will be King Gustaf`s third visit to India. As per <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-change-in-boundary-with-nepal-claims-ministry-of-external-affairs-260599">MEA</a>, several documents on furthering bilateral engagement are likely to be signed during the visit.</p>

<p>India and Sweden had a bilateral trade turnover of USD 3.37 billion in 2018 and cumulative investments of about USD 2.5 billion since 2000.</p>

<p>Bilateral relations between India and Sweden are friendly and based on principles of democracy and transparency, right to freedom, and rule of law.</p>

<p>Regular interactions in political, business, scientific and academic spheres have provided dynamism to the bilateral ties of the two countries.&nbsp;</p>


Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf Folke Hubertus and Queen Silvia Renate Sommerlath on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. The royal couple is on a five-day visit to India.

Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf Folke Hubertus and Queen Silvia Renate Sommerlath on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. The royal couple is on a five-day visit to India. Earlier in the day, they were accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan and were received by President Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita Kovind. Hubertus and Sommerlth also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The couple, on Tuesday, is slated to take part in a programme on `Tackling emissions and air pollution` at India Habitat Centre here. On Wednesday, the dignitaries will emplane for Mumbai and meet the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan and will emplane for Dehradun the next day to visit Ram Jhula Bridge and Bathing Ghat in Uttarakhand. Moreover, they will inaugurate the Sarai Sewage Treatment Plant in Haridwar the same day. Concluding their visit, the couple will emplane for New Delhi on Friday and thereafter will leave for Stockholm. This will be King Gustaf`s third visit to India. As per MEA, several documents on furthering bilateral engagement are likely to be signed during the visit. India and Sweden had a bilateral trade turnover of USD 3.37 billion in 2018 and cumulative investments of about USD 2.5 billion since 2000. Bilateral relations between India and Sweden are friendly and based on principles of democracy and transparency, right to freedom, and rule of law. Regular interactions in political, business, scientific and academic spheres have provided dynamism to the bilateral ties of the two countries.

Swedish King Hubertus, Queen Silvia meet PM Modi at Hyderabad House

<p>Swedish prosecutors said Monday they were investigating an Iraqi government minister for "crimes against humanity", as media reports suggested it related to the shooting dead of hundreds of protesters.</p>

<p>Swedish media identified the subject of their inquiry as Defence Minister Najah al-Shammari, but the statement from the Swedish Prosecution Authority did not name anyone.</p>

<p>The prosecutors' body said in a statement that it had received complaints about "an Iraqi minister suspected of crimes against humanity". The investigation was "in a very early stage", it added.</p>

<p>Several Swedish media outlets, including the country's main dailies, identified him as al-Shammari, reporting that he was also a Swedish citizen, though he goes by a different name in Sweden.</p>

<p>An unnamed Swedish-Iraqi lawyer told Svenska Dagbladet newspaper that he had reported al-Shammari to police in October for his role in the shooting of hundreds of protesters during weeks of unrest.</p>

<p>Since October 1, Iraq's capital and majority-Shiite south have been swept by mass rallies protesting corruption, a lack of jobs and poor services. Those demonstrations have escalated into calls for a complete overhaul of the ruling elite.</p>

<p>An estimated 350 protesters have been killed and thousands wounded in clashes with the security forces, according to a tally compiled by AFP. The authorities in Iraq no longer update their figures.</p>

<p>The defence minister is also under investigation for benefits fraud for claiming housing and child benefits from Sweden despite living in Iraq, according to online news site Nyheter Idag and Swedish newspaper Expressen.</p>

<p>Swedish social insurance agency Forsakringskassan told AFP that they were unable to confirm whether they were investigating al-Shammari as all their cases are classified.</p>

<p>Al-Shammari arrived in Sweden in 2009 and was granted a permanent residency in 2011 before getting his citizenship in 2015, according to Expressen.</p>


Swedish prosecutors said Monday they were investigating an Iraqi government minister for "crimes against humanity", as media reports suggested it related to the shooting dead of hundreds of protesters.

Swedish prosecutors said Monday they were investigating an Iraqi government minister for "crimes against humanity", as media reports suggested it related to the shooting dead of hundreds of protesters. Swedish media identified the subject of their inquiry as Defence Minister Najah al-Shammari, but the statement from the Swedish Prosecution Authority did not name anyone. The prosecutors' body said in a statement that it had received complaints about "an Iraqi minister suspected of crimes against humanity". The investigation was "in a very early stage", it added. Several Swedish media outlets, including the country's main dailies, identified him as al-Shammari, reporting that he was also a Swedish citizen, though he goes by a different name in Sweden. An unnamed Swedish-Iraqi lawyer told Svenska Dagbladet newspaper that he had reported al-Shammari to police in October for his role in the shooting of hundreds of protesters during weeks of unrest. Since October 1, Iraq's capital and majority-Shiite south have been swept by mass rallies protesting corruption, a lack of jobs and poor services. Those demonstrations have escalated into calls for a complete overhaul of the ruling elite. An estimated 350 protesters have been killed and thousands wounded in clashes with the security forces, according to a tally compiled by AFP. The authorities in Iraq no longer update their figures. The defence minister is also under investigation for benefits fraud for claiming housing and child benefits from Sweden despite living in Iraq, according to online news site Nyheter Idag and Swedish newspaper Expressen. Swedish social insurance agency Forsakringskassan told AFP that they were unable to confirm whether they were investigating al-Shammari as all their cases are classified. Al-Shammari arrived in Sweden in 2009 and was granted a permanent residency in 2011 before getting his citizenship in 2015, according to Expressen.

Sweden probes Iraq minister for 'crimes against humanity'

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-european-union-offers-technical-assistance-to-pakistan-262766">European Union</a> (EU) countries on Friday endorsed a tough line for selecting 5G suppliers, including vetting the domestic legal framework to which they are subjected, potentially dealing a blow to telecoms equipment market leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/microsoft-granted-licence-to-export-mass-market-software-to-huawei-263823">Huawei Technologies</a>.</p>

<p>Ambassadors meeting in Brussels agreed to the approach, a spokeswoman for Finland, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, said in a tweet.</p>

<p>EU countries should consider non-technical factors such as the legal and policy framework to which suppliers may be subject in third countries, a draft document seen by Reuters ahead of the meeting said. The document did not mention any specific countries or companies.</p>

<p>EU governments should also diversify their suppliers and not depend on one, the document said. EU ministers will give the green light to the approach at a meeting next month.</p>

<p>The United States has urged the EU to ban Huawei equipment, saying that its gear could be used by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-to-take-over-australian-politics-ex-spy-chief-263762">China</a> for spying. Concerns have focused on a Chinese law on domestic companies' cooperation with the government on security matters, with critics saying that these could compel them to be a vehicle for Chinese spying.</p>

<p>The Shenzen-based company, which competes with Finland's Nokia&nbsp;and Sweden's Ericsson&nbsp;has denied the US&nbsp;charges and dismissed the concerns as groundless.</p>

<p>Last month, the EU warned of the risk of increased cyber attacks by state-backed entities but did not name any company or country. The bloc sees 5G networks as key to boosting economic growth.</p>

<p>The EU is now looking into a so-called toolbox of measures by the end of the year to address cyber security risks at national and bloc-wide level. The European Agency for Cybersecurity is also finalising a map of specific threats related to 5G networks.</p>


European Union (EU) countries on Friday endorsed a tough line for selecting 5G suppliers, including vetting the domestic legal framework to which they are subjected, potentially dealing a blow to telecoms equipment market leader Huawei Technologies.

European Union (EU) countries on Friday endorsed a tough line for selecting 5G suppliers, including vetting the domestic legal framework to which they are subjected, potentially dealing a blow to telecoms equipment market leader Huawei Technologies. Ambassadors meeting in Brussels agreed to the approach, a spokeswoman for Finland, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, said in a tweet. EU countries should consider non-technical factors such as the legal and policy framework to which suppliers may be subject in third countries, a draft document seen by Reuters ahead of the meeting said. The document did not mention any specific countries or companies. EU governments should also diversify their suppliers and not depend on one, the document said. EU ministers will give the green light to the approach at a meeting next month. The United States has urged the EU to ban Huawei equipment, saying that its gear could be used by China for spying. Concerns have focused on a Chinese law on domestic companies' cooperation with the government on security matters, with critics saying that these could compel them to be a vehicle for Chinese spying. The Shenzen-based company, which competes with Finland's Nokia and Sweden's Ericsson has denied the US charges and dismissed the concerns as groundless. Last month, the EU warned of the risk of increased cyber attacks by state-backed entities but did not name any company or country. The bloc sees 5G networks as key to boosting economic growth. The EU is now looking into a so-called toolbox of measures by the end of the year to address cyber security risks at national and bloc-wide level. The European Agency for Cybersecurity is also finalising a map of specific threats related to 5G networks.

EU countries back tough line on 5G suppliers in potential blow to Huawei

A Swedish prosecutor dropped a rape investigation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, ending the nearly decade-old case that had sent the anti-secrecy campaigner into hiding in London's Ecuadorian embassy to avoid extradition.

Swedish Court drops rape investigation on WikiLeaks founder after 10 years

<p>Working-level nuclear talks in Sweden <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-would-not-give-up-old-attitude-says-north-korea-as-nuclear-talks-end-in-contrasting-assessments-253998">between officials from Pyongyang and Washington</a> have broken off, North Korea's top negotiator said late on Saturday, dashing prospects for an end to months of stalemate.</p>

<p>The talks, at an isolated conference centre on the outskirts of Stockholm, were the first such formal discussion since US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met in June and agreed to restart negotiations that stalled after a failed summit in Vietnam in February.</p>

<p>The North's chief nuclear negotiator, Kim Myong Gil, who spent much of the day in talks with an American delegation, cast the blame on what he portrayed as US&nbsp;inflexibility, saying the other side's negotiators would not "give up their old viewpoint and attitude."</p>

<p>"The negotiations have not fulfilled our expectation and finally broke off," Kim told reporters outside the North Korean embassy, speaking through an interpreter.</p>

<p>The US&nbsp;State Department said Kim's comments did not reflect "the content or spirit" of more than 8-1/2 hours of talks, and Washington had accepted Sweden's invitation to return for more discussions with Pyongyang in two weeks.</p>

<p>"The US&nbsp;brought creative ideas and had good discussions with its DPRK counterparts," spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. North Korea is also known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).</p>

<p>She said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-united-states-officials-to-resume-nuclear-talks-after-latest-missile-test-253916">US&nbsp;delegation had previewed a number of new initiatives</a> that would pave the way for progress in the talks, and underscored the importance of more intensive engagement.</p>

<p>"The United States and the DPRK will not overcome a legacy of 70 years of war and hostility on the Korean peninsula through the course of a single Saturday," she added.</p>

<p>"These are weighty issues, and they require a strong commitment by both countries. The United States has that commitment."</p>

<p>North Korea's Kim downplayed US&nbsp;gestures.</p>

<p>"The US&nbsp;raised expectations by offering suggestions like a flexible approach, new method and creative solutions, but they have disappointed us greatly and dampened our enthusiasm for negotiation by bringing nothing to the negotiation table," he said.</p>

<p>Swedish broadcaster TV4 said the US&nbsp;Special Representative for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, who led the team, had arrived back at the US&nbsp;embassy in central Stockholm.</p>

<p>The Swedish foreign office declined to give details on the invitation for new talks, or whether Pyongyang had accepted.</p>

<p>Since June, US&nbsp;officials had struggled to persuade North Korea, which is under sanctions banning much of its trade, due to its nuclear programme, to return to the table, but that appeared to change this week when the North abruptly announced it had agreed to talks.</p>

<p>On Saturday, negotiator Kim accused the United States of having no intention of solving difficulties through dialogue but said a complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula was still possible.</p>

<p>It would only happen "when all the obstacles that threaten our safety and check our development are removed completely without a shadow of a doubt," he said, in an apparent reference to North Korea's desire for Washington to ease economic pressure.</p>

<p>On Sunday, China's President Xi Jinping and the North's leader exchanged messages to reaffirm the neighbours' relationship on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. China is the North's only major ally.</p>

<p>Xi, who has met Kim five times in the past year, said they had "reached a series of important consensuses, leading China-North Korea relations into a new historical era", the official Xinhua news agency said.</p>

<p>Kim replied the two leaders would "resolutely safeguard the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula and the world," Xinhua reported.</p>

<p><strong>Tensions</strong></p>

<p>The delegation from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-north-korea-talks-going-ahead-despite-missile-test-253573">North Korea arrived in Sweden on Thursday</a>. Analysts have said both countries' leaders had growing incentives to reach a deal, but it was unclear if common ground could be found after months of tension and deadlock.</p>

<p>The readout from the talks did not sound very promising, said Jenny Town, a managing editor at 38 North, a Washington-based North Korea project.</p>

<p>"I think (North Korea's) expectations were too high that the removal of Bolton would provide more flexibility on what the US&nbsp;wants as initial steps," she said, referring to Trump's hardline former aide John Bolton, abruptly fired last month amid disagreements on how to tackle foreign policy challenges.</p>

<p>"While certainly&nbsp;it removes some pressure for an all or nothing deal, it seems the gap between what the two sides want as a baseline and are willing to reciprocate still has not narrowed," Town added.</p>

<p>An official at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-launches-missiles-ahead-of-nuclear-talks-253157">South Korea's presidential office said the talks in Sweden were nevertheless the beginning of negotiations</a>, and that South Korea hoped the United States and North Korea would keep the momentum of the dialogue.</p>

<p>Only a day after announcing the new talks, North Korea said it had test-fired a new ballistic missile designed for submarine launch, underscoring the need for Washington to move quickly to negotiate limits on Pyongyang's growing arsenal.</p>

<p>Speaking in Athens on a tour of southern Europe while the talks were still underway, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said he was hopeful of progress.</p>

<p>"We are mindful this will be the first time that we've had a chance to have a discussion in quite some time and that there remains to be a lot of work that will have to be done by the two teams," he told a news conference.</p>


Working-level nuclear talks in Sweden between officials from Pyongyang and Washington have broken off, North Korea's top negotiator said late on Saturday, dashing prospects for an end to months of stalemate.

Working-level nuclear talks in Sweden between officials from Pyongyang and Washington have broken off, North Korea's top negotiator said late on Saturday, dashing prospects for an end to months of stalemate. The talks, at an isolated conference centre on the outskirts of Stockholm, were the first such formal discussion since US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met in June and agreed to restart negotiations that stalled after a failed summit in Vietnam in February. The North's chief nuclear negotiator, Kim Myong Gil, who spent much of the day in talks with an American delegation, cast the blame on what he portrayed as US inflexibility, saying the other side's negotiators would not "give up their old viewpoint and attitude." "The negotiations have not fulfilled our expectation and finally broke off," Kim told reporters outside the North Korean embassy, speaking through an interpreter. The US State Department said Kim's comments did not reflect "the content or spirit" of more than 8-1/2 hours of talks, and Washington had accepted Sweden's invitation to return for more discussions with Pyongyang in two weeks. "The US brought creative ideas and had good discussions with its DPRK counterparts," spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. North Korea is also known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). She said the US delegation had previewed a number of new initiatives that would pave the way for progress in the talks, and underscored the importance of more intensive engagement. "The United States and the DPRK will not overcome a legacy of 70 years of war and hostility on the Korean peninsula through the course of a single Saturday," she added. "These are weighty issues, and they require a strong commitment by both countries. The United States has that commitment." North Korea's Kim downplayed US gestures. "The US raised expectations by offering suggestions like a flexible approach, new method and creative solutions, but they have disappointed us greatly and dampened our enthusiasm for negotiation by bringing nothing to the negotiation table," he said. Swedish broadcaster TV4 said the US Special Representative for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, who led the team, had arrived back at the US embassy in central Stockholm. The Swedish foreign office declined to give details on the invitation for new talks, or whether Pyongyang had accepted. Since June, US officials had struggled to persuade North Korea, which is under sanctions banning much of its trade, due to its nuclear programme, to return to the table, but that appeared to change this week when the North abruptly announced it had agreed to talks. On Saturday, negotiator Kim accused the United States of having no intention of solving difficulties through dialogue but said a complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula was still possible. It would only happen "when all the obstacles that threaten our safety and check our development are removed completely without a shadow of a doubt," he said, in an apparent reference to North Korea's desire for Washington to ease economic pressure. On Sunday, China's President Xi Jinping and the North's leader exchanged messages to reaffirm the neighbours' relationship on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. China is the North's only major ally. Xi, who has met Kim five times in the past year, said they had "reached a series of important consensuses, leading China-North Korea relations into a new historical era", the official Xinhua news agency said. Kim replied the two leaders would "resolutely safeguard the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula and the world," Xinhua reported. Tensions The delegation from North Korea arrived in Sweden on Thursday. Analysts have said both countries' leaders had growing incentives to reach a deal, but it was unclear if common ground could be found after months of tension and deadlock. The readout from the talks did not sound very promising, said Jenny Town, a managing editor at 38 North, a Washington-based North Korea project. "I think (North Korea's) expectations were too high that the removal of Bolton would provide more flexibility on what the US wants as initial steps," she said, referring to Trump's hardline former aide John Bolton, abruptly fired last month amid disagreements on how to tackle foreign policy challenges. "While certainly it removes some pressure for an all or nothing deal, it seems the gap between what the two sides want as a baseline and are willing to reciprocate still has not narrowed," Town added. An official at South Korea's presidential office said the talks in Sweden were nevertheless the beginning of negotiations, and that South Korea hoped the United States and North Korea would keep the momentum of the dialogue. Only a day after announcing the new talks, North Korea said it had test-fired a new ballistic missile designed for submarine launch, underscoring the need for Washington to move quickly to negotiate limits on Pyongyang's growing arsenal. Speaking in Athens on a tour of southern Europe while the talks were still underway, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said he was hopeful of progress. "We are mindful this will be the first time that we've had a chance to have a discussion in quite some time and that there remains to be a lot of work that will have to be done by the two teams," he told a news conference.

North Korea breaks off nuclear talks with United States in Sweden

<p>H&amp;M, the world's second-biggest fashion retailer, reported on Thursday its first quarterly rise in pretax profit in over two years and said efforts to meet rapid changes in its industry were on track.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hm-suspends-brazil-leather-purchases-over-amazon-fires-247906">H&amp;M</a> has been spending heavily on reviving its business in the face of years of falling profits and growing inventories due to slowing sales at its core brand's stores amid tougher competition and changing shopping habits.</p>

<p>Its shares have spiked 46 per cent this year, and 58 per cent from the 13-year low seen in 2018, on hopes it is getting back on track.</p>

<p>But they are still at just half of their 2015 record level.</p>

<p>Pretax profit in the June through August period beat expectations, growing to 5.0 billion crowns from a year-ago 4.01 billion.</p>

<p>Analysts had on average forecast a rise to 4.93 billion crowns, according to Refinitiv data.</p>

<p>The increase was the Swedish group's first since the second quarter of 2017.</p>

<p>Profit growth was helped by accelerating sales growth on the back of strong demand for summer collections and market share gains.</p>

<p>"The continued development of more full-price sales and reduced markdowns contributed to a 26 per cent increase in operating profit in the third quarter, all while maintaining a high level of activity in our transformation work," CEO Karl-Johan Persson said in a statement.</p>

<p>The operating profit margin rose to 8.0 per cent from 7.1 per cent.</p>

<p>Inventories increased 9 per cent to 42.0 billion crowns at the end of the third quarter, equivalent to 18.5 per cent of sales.</p>

<p>However, H&amp;M said that measured in local currencies, they shrank by 1 per cent while the composition of the stock had kept improving.</p>

<p>Markdowns decreased for a fourth straight quarter, by 2 percentage point in relation to sales.</p>

<p>H&amp;M had in June predicted a 1.5 percentage point decrease.</p>

<p>The company broke the habit by not providing an outlook for markdowns in the current quarter.</p>

<p>H&amp;M said sales in September, the first month of its fourth quarter, grew 8 per cent in local currencies.</p>


H&M, the world's second-biggest fashion retailer, reported on Thursday its first quarterly rise in pretax profit in over two years and said efforts to meet rapid changes in its industry were on track.

H&M, the world's second-biggest fashion retailer, reported on Thursday its first quarterly rise in pretax profit in over two years and said efforts to meet rapid changes in its industry were on track. H&M has been spending heavily on reviving its business in the face of years of falling profits and growing inventories due to slowing sales at its core brand's stores amid tougher competition and changing shopping habits. Its shares have spiked 46 per cent this year, and 58 per cent from the 13-year low seen in 2018, on hopes it is getting back on track. But they are still at just half of their 2015 record level. Pretax profit in the June through August period beat expectations, growing to 5.0 billion crowns from a year-ago 4.01 billion. Analysts had on average forecast a rise to 4.93 billion crowns, according to Refinitiv data. The increase was the Swedish group's first since the second quarter of 2017. Profit growth was helped by accelerating sales growth on the back of strong demand for summer collections and market share gains. "The continued development of more full-price sales and reduced markdowns contributed to a 26 per cent increase in operating profit in the third quarter, all while maintaining a high level of activity in our transformation work," CEO Karl-Johan Persson said in a statement. The operating profit margin rose to 8.0 per cent from 7.1 per cent. Inventories increased 9 per cent to 42.0 billion crowns at the end of the third quarter, equivalent to 18.5 per cent of sales. However, H&M said that measured in local currencies, they shrank by 1 per cent while the composition of the stock had kept improving. Markdowns decreased for a fourth straight quarter, by 2 percentage point in relation to sales. H&M had in June predicted a 1.5 percentage point decrease. The company broke the habit by not providing an outlook for markdowns in the current quarter. H&M said sales in September, the first month of its fourth quarter, grew 8 per cent in local currencies.

H&M posts first quarterly profit rise in over two years

Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg will set sail for New York on August 14, crossing the Atlantic in a racing yacht with no shower or toilet to join protests in the United States and take part in a United Nations summit.

WION Gravitas: Greta Thunberg's zero carbon ride

Swedish teen climate activist to set sail for the US today

Swedish teenage climate activist Greta prepares to sail to the US

United Arab Emirates military drawdown raises stakes in south Yemen

<p>Sweden on Friday dismissed an angry outburst from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-for-no-more-north-korean-provocations-hopes-to-resume-talks-238539&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiKxpqEzdLjAhUDaI8KHcUnC0kQFjAFegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1BOBziYODgLsYPFJmrr2vN">United States</a> President Donald Trump after prosecutors charged US rapper A$AP Rocky with assault, saying the country's judicial system was independent of political interference.</p>

<p>Best known for his song "Praise the Lord", the 30-year-old performer, producer, and model, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was detained about three weeks ago following a street altercation with two men in Stockholm on June 30. A$AP Rocky, who was charged on Thursday, will go on trial next week.</p>

<p>Trump, who last week urged Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven to free A$AP Rocky, fired off tweets on Thursday saying he was "very disappointed" in Lofven and demanding: "Treat Americans fairly!"</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Very disappointed in Prime Minister Stefan Löfven for being unable to act. Sweden has let our African American Community down in the United States. I watched the tapes of A$AP Rocky, and he was being followed and harassed by troublemakers. Treat Americans fairly! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeRocky?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeRocky</a></p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1154501344323080192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Trump added: "We do so much for Sweden but it doesn't seem to work the other way around. Sweden should focus on its real crime problem! #FreeRocky."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Give A$AP Rocky his FREEDOM. We do so much for Sweden but it doesn’t seem to work the other way around. Sweden should focus on its real crime problem! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeRocky?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeRocky</a></p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1154502673514684416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>A spokesman for the Swedish government said on Friday the government would not get involved in the case.</p>

<p>"Sweden and Prime Minister Stefan Lofven have been very clear in the dialogue with both the White House and directly with the American president, that in Sweden everyone is equal before the law and that the government cannot interfere in legal proceedings," the spokesman said in a text message.</p>

<p>Mayers has said he is innocent and that the men provoked him and his two companions, who have also been charged with assault. If convicted, they could face up to two years in jail.</p>

<p>Trump has said he would personally vouch for Mayers' bail. Sweden does not have a bail system.</p>

<p>Former prime minister Carl Bildt told the daily Aftonbladet that Lofven was right not to comment further on the case.</p>

<p>"I think it's right of the government not to go into a mud wrestling match with Trump. That is his element, and should not be Sweden's," Bildt said.</p>

<p>Mayers, also known by the pseudonym Lord Flacko, was in Stockholm to perform at the Smash hip-hop festival. His arrest forced him to cancel a dozen shows scheduled as part of his Europe tour.</p>


Sweden on Friday dismissed an angry outburst from United States President Donald Trump after prosecutors charged US rapper A$AP Rocky with assault, saying the country's judicial system was independent of political interference.

Sweden on Friday dismissed an angry outburst from United States President Donald Trump after prosecutors charged US rapper A$AP Rocky with assault, saying the country's judicial system was independent of political interference. Best known for his song "Praise the Lord", the 30-year-old performer, producer, and model, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was detained about three weeks ago following a street altercation with two men in Stockholm on June 30. A$AP Rocky, who was charged on Thursday, will go on trial next week. Trump, who last week urged Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven to free A$AP Rocky, fired off tweets on Thursday saying he was "very disappointed" in Lofven and demanding: "Treat Americans fairly!" Very disappointed in Prime Minister Stefan Löfven for being unable to act. Sweden has let our African American Community down in the United States. I watched the tapes of A$AP Rocky, and he was being followed and harassed by troublemakers. Treat Americans fairly! #FreeRocky — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2019 × Trump added: "We do so much for Sweden but it doesn't seem to work the other way around. Sweden should focus on its real crime problem! #FreeRocky." Give A$AP Rocky his FREEDOM. We do so much for Sweden but it doesn’t seem to work the other way around. Sweden should focus on its real crime problem! #FreeRocky — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2019 × A spokesman for the Swedish government said on Friday the government would not get involved in the case. "Sweden and Prime Minister Stefan Lofven have been very clear in the dialogue with both the White House and directly with the American president, that in Sweden everyone is equal before the law and that the government cannot interfere in legal proceedings," the spokesman said in a text message. Mayers has said he is innocent and that the men provoked him and his two companions, who have also been charged with assault. If convicted, they could face up to two years in jail. Trump has said he would personally vouch for Mayers' bail. Sweden does not have a bail system. Former prime minister Carl Bildt told the daily Aftonbladet that Lofven was right not to comment further on the case. "I think it's right of the government not to go into a mud wrestling match with Trump. That is his element, and should not be Sweden's," Bildt said. Mayers, also known by the pseudonym Lord Flacko, was in Stockholm to perform at the Smash hip-hop festival. His arrest forced him to cancel a dozen shows scheduled as part of his Europe tour.

PM Lofven is very clear, everyone is equal before the law: Sweden on Trump backing rapper A$AP Rocky

Nine Swedes were killed on Sunday (July 14) when their plane crashed during a skydiving trip near Umea, a small university city in northern Sweden. The small plane designed to carry parachutists crashed on an island on the Ume river shortly after takeoff, police spokesman Peder Jonsson said. Those on board were on a skydiving trip. The police said that all the victims were Swedish, with one person holding dual citizenship. The names of the victims were not been disclosed. Authorities said the cause of the accident was not yet known. The region's main University Hospital of Umea confirmed there were no survivors and relatives of the deceased had been notified.

Nine killed in plane crash during skydiving trip in Sweden

<p>The French government is to impose a tax of up to 18 euros ($20) on plane tickets for all flights from airports in <a href="http://wionews.com/world/france-president-emmanuel-macrons-advisor-heads-to-iran-to-calm-nuclear-tensions-234122">France</a> to fund less-polluting transportation projects, a minister said Tuesday.</p>

<p>The move, which will take effect from 2020, will see a tax of 1.5 euros imposed on economy-class tickets on internal flights and those within <a href="http://wionews.com/world/europe-needs-to-find-candidate-to-head-imf-france-233585">Europe</a>, with the highest tariff applied to business-class travellers flying outside the bloc, Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne said.</p>

<p>The new measure is expected to bring in some 182 million euros a year which will be invested in greener transport infrastructures, notably rail, she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will only be applied on outgoing flights and not those flying into the country, Borne added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A similar tax was introduced in <a href="http://wionews.com/entertainment/us-rapper-aap-rockys-europe-tour-in-jeopardy-after-sweden-arrest-233121">Sweden</a> in April 2018, which imposed an added charge of up to 40 euros on every ticket in a bid to lessen the impact of air travel on the climate.</p>


The French government is to impose a tax of up to 18 euros ($20) on plane tickets for all flights from airports in France to fund less-polluting transportation projects, a minister said Tuesday.

The French government is to impose a tax of up to 18 euros ($20) on plane tickets for all flights from airports in France to fund less-polluting transportation projects, a minister said Tuesday. The move, which will take effect from 2020, will see a tax of 1.5 euros imposed on economy-class tickets on internal flights and those within Europe, with the highest tariff applied to business-class travellers flying outside the bloc, Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne said. The new measure is expected to bring in some 182 million euros a year which will be invested in greener transport infrastructures, notably rail, she said. It will only be applied on outgoing flights and not those flying into the country, Borne added. A similar tax was introduced in Sweden in April 2018, which imposed an added charge of up to 40 euros on every ticket in a bid to lessen the impact of air travel on the climate.

France to impose green tax on plane tickets

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