Emil Forsberg scored Sweden`s first goal of the Euro 2020 from the penalty spot as they edged out Slovakia 1-0 to boost their qualification hopes from Group E on Friday. 
 
In a game which was short of clear-cut chances, Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka conceded a penalty in the second half when he tripped up Robin Quaison and RB Leipzig winger Forsberg made no mistake in beating him from the spot. 
 
Sweden top the group with four points from two games, one ahead of Slovakia. Spain (one point) play bottom side Poland on Saturday while the final round of fixtures -- Sweden v Poland and Slovakia v Spain -- will be played on Wednesday. 
 
Both teams threatened to score from set pieces early in the first half but Slovakia`s Juraj Kucka and Sweden`s Mikael Lustig saw their headers sail over the bar. 
 
Sweden were compact at the back, as they were against Spain in their goalless opener, and it was centre back Victor Lindelof who was initiating their attacks with his distribution from a high defensive line, which was at times camped in Slovakia`s half. 
 
Slovakia switched to a five-man defence when they were out of possession, frustrating the Swedes who were unable to string passes in the final third while Slovakia`s defence easily won the aerial duels. 
 
Slovakia eventually made inroads into the final third towards the end of the first half as Sweden retreated but they lacked the creativity to make the final pass count and the first 45 minutes ended with neither goalkeeper tested. 
 
ISAK RUNS THE SHOW 
 
Sweden started the second half on the front foot, with Alexander Isak and Forsberg having shots blocked in the first two minutes. 
 
At the other end, Ondrej Duda found space to pull the trigger at the edge of the box but saw his shot fly inches over the crossbar. 
 
Sweden`s Ludwig Augustinsson brought the crowd to life at the hour mark when he directed a powerful header on target but he was denied by a fine reflex save from Dubravka, who tipped it over the bar. 
 
Isak turned things up a notch, leaping high to win a header which drifted agonisingly over before his nifty footwork allowed him to make solo run from his own half past three defenders to curl an effort that was parried away by Dubravka. 
 
The 21-year-old Isak then turned provider which proved fruitful when he released substitute Quaison, who drew a foul from Dubravka in the box and Forsberg stepped up to convert the penalty and seal the three points.

Emil Forsberg scored Sweden`s first goal of the Euro 2020 from the penalty spot as they edged out Slovakia 1-0 to boost their qualification hopes from Group E on Friday.

Emil Forsberg scored Sweden`s first goal of the Euro 2020 from the penalty spot as they edged out Slovakia 1-0 to boost their qualification hopes from Group E on Friday. In a game which was short of clear-cut chances, Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka conceded a penalty in the second half when he tripped up Robin Quaison and RB Leipzig winger Forsberg made no mistake in beating him from the spot. Sweden top the group with four points from two games, one ahead of Slovakia. Spain (one point) play bottom side Poland on Saturday while the final round of fixtures -- Sweden v Poland and Slovakia v Spain -- will be played on Wednesday. Both teams threatened to score from set pieces early in the first half but Slovakia`s Juraj Kucka and Sweden`s Mikael Lustig saw their headers sail over the bar. Sweden were compact at the back, as they were against Spain in their goalless opener, and it was centre back Victor Lindelof who was initiating their attacks with his distribution from a high defensive line, which was at times camped in Slovakia`s half. Slovakia switched to a five-man defence when they were out of possession, frustrating the Swedes who were unable to string passes in the final third while Slovakia`s defence easily won the aerial duels. Slovakia eventually made inroads into the final third towards the end of the first half as Sweden retreated but they lacked the creativity to make the final pass count and the first 45 minutes ended with neither goalkeeper tested. ISAK RUNS THE SHOW Sweden started the second half on the front foot, with Alexander Isak and Forsberg having shots blocked in the first two minutes. At the other end, Ondrej Duda found space to pull the trigger at the edge of the box but saw his shot fly inches over the crossbar. Sweden`s Ludwig Augustinsson brought the crowd to life at the hour mark when he directed a powerful header on target but he was denied by a fine reflex save from Dubravka, who tipped it over the bar. Isak turned things up a notch, leaping high to win a header which drifted agonisingly over before his nifty footwork allowed him to make solo run from his own half past three defenders to curl an effort that was parried away by Dubravka. The 21-year-old Isak then turned provider which proved fruitful when he released substitute Quaison, who drew a foul from Dubravka in the box and Forsberg stepped up to convert the penalty and seal the three points.

Euro 2020: Forsberg fires Sweden to 1-0 victory over Slovakia

Sweden's minority government may get toppled next week as four parties in parliament announced on Thursday that they would support a no confidence vote. This may trigger a snap election.

The far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) party has announced that it was calling for motion of no confidence for Monday after the Left Party earlier warned it would seek similar move.

"There is now a majority in parliament that wants to dismiss the prime minister," Henrik Vinge, SD's parliament group leader, told a press conference.

He said they hoped the government would fall a year ahead of next election.

But Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said later Thursday: "To throw Sweden into a political crisis in this dire situation for the country, that is not responsible."

Addressing a news conference, the Social Democrat stressed that Sweden was still in the midst of a pandemic and resulting economic crisis.

Both the conservative Moderate Party and the Christian Democrats followed suit after SD's announcement, thereby securing a parliamentary majority for the no-confidence motion.

"We were against the Lofven government when they took power. We were against the Lofven government then, we are against (it) &nbsp;now," Ebba Busch, party leader of the Christian Democrats, told a press conference.

Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson echoed Busch.

"Our opinion is very clear, this government should never have taken office," Kristersson wrote on Facebook.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sweden's minority government may get toppled next week as four parties in parliament announced on Thursday that they would support a no confidence vote. This may trigger a snap election.

Sweden's minority government may get toppled next week as four parties in parliament announced on Thursday that they would support a no confidence vote. This may trigger a snap election. The far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) party has announced that it was calling for motion of no confidence for Monday after the Left Party earlier warned it would seek similar move. "There is now a majority in parliament that wants to dismiss the prime minister," Henrik Vinge, SD's parliament group leader, told a press conference. He said they hoped the government would fall a year ahead of next election. But Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said later Thursday: "To throw Sweden into a political crisis in this dire situation for the country, that is not responsible." Addressing a news conference, the Social Democrat stressed that Sweden was still in the midst of a pandemic and resulting economic crisis. Both the conservative Moderate Party and the Christian Democrats followed suit after SD's announcement, thereby securing a parliamentary majority for the no-confidence motion. "We were against the Lofven government when they took power. We were against the Lofven government then, we are against (it) now," Ebba Busch, party leader of the Christian Democrats, told a press conference. Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson echoed Busch. "Our opinion is very clear, this government should never have taken office," Kristersson wrote on Facebook. (With inputs from agencies)

Swedish government may lose confidence vote next week

The Czech Prime Minister triggered a row after suggesting that Sweden & The Netherlands will become Muslim nations in the coming decades. Population experts say the PM is trying to scare people. Palki Sharma tells you why Andrej Babis is playing a dangerous game.

Gravitas: Will Sweden & The Netherlands become Muslim nations?

They haven't been allowed to have each other over to their homes for a year now because of Covid. So come rain or shine, two 73-year-old&nbsp;Swedish&nbsp;twins&nbsp;have met every Saturday, each on their side of the border, on a bridge that links Norway and Sweden.

Every week, Ola and Pontus Berglund each keep well behind a thin, yet impassable line on the ground, toting camping chairs, thermoses, sandwiches, and plenty of good cheer.

"We're not allowed to cross the border. I have to stay one metre (yard) away on my side and he has to stay back one metre on his side," Ola explains, the little Norwegian and&nbsp;Swedish&nbsp;flags they've attached to the bridge fluttering in the wind.

"So basically there has to be two metres between us," he says, pushing his chair back, suddenly aware that he is too close.

At his feet, painted on the road, is a simple white line, the words "Norge" and "Sverige" on either side.

The pandemic has put a halt to the identical&nbsp;twins' weekly visits to each other's homes.

Ola lives in Halden, in southeastern Norway, where he moved almost 40 years ago for love, while Pontus lives a half-hour drive away in the southwestern&nbsp;Swedish&nbsp;town of Stromstad.

Instead, they come together here, at a more or less respectful distance, on the old Svinesund bridge that straddles a fjord between the two countries.

They've celebrated their 72nd and 73rd birthdays this way on April 20.

"It's very strange but it's become a need, a pressing need, because we used to see each other every week and we wanted to continue that," says Pontus from the&nbsp;Swedish&nbsp;side.

"The pandemic hasn't stopped us from seeing each other and for us, that's a victory."

While the local restrictions have changed over the months as the virus situation has evolved, the border has remained closed.

The closure has angered Norwegians, many of whom own summer homes in Sweden, where life is cheaper, to such an extent that they sued the Norwegian state to get it to lift the mandatory quarantine required when they return home.

'A little party'&nbsp;

The few motorists who use the bridge usually smile or wave at the two grey-bearded gents sitting in their chairs.

Ola, a former nursing assistant who now spends his time making scenery for a theatre, and Pontus, an artist and amateur ornithologist, have become local celebrities, with some people driving up to five hours just to take their photograph.

"That's not very important to us. The important thing to us is to be able to get together and talk about whatever we want," says Ola, sporting a red bow tie "because it's May 1st".

From their privileged perch, the two have, on occasion, found themselves in the role of benevolent smugglers, like the day when they delivered a puppy born in Sweden to its new family in Norway.&nbsp;

That's their fondest memory, they say.

In more than a year, they've only missed their weekly rendezvous three times, because of stubborn police who wouldn't let them onto the bridge.

Otherwise, they've kept to their schedule through blizzards or heatwaves, simply dressing for the weather.

Before the vaccination rollout, many elderly reported feeling a sense of isolation during the pandemic, as a result of having to shield themselves from the virus.

"Each meeting has been a little party," says Pontus, who is divorced. "For me who lives alone, it's really important to see Ola. Without that I'd be depressed."&nbsp;

Does he miss hugging his brother?

"Yes," he says with a contagious laugh.

"So sometimes I hug myself -- since we're identical."&nbsp;

They haven't been allowed to have each other over to their homes for a year now because of Covid. So come rain or shine, two 73-year-old Swedish twins have met every Saturday, each on their side of the border, on a bridge that links Norway and Sweden.

They haven't been allowed to have each other over to their homes for a year now because of Covid. So come rain or shine, two 73-year-old Swedish twins have met every Saturday, each on their side of the border, on a bridge that links Norway and Sweden. Every week, Ola and Pontus Berglund each keep well behind a thin, yet impassable line on the ground, toting camping chairs, thermoses, sandwiches, and plenty of good cheer. "We're not allowed to cross the border. I have to stay one metre (yard) away on my side and he has to stay back one metre on his side," Ola explains, the little Norwegian and Swedish flags they've attached to the bridge fluttering in the wind. "So basically there has to be two metres between us," he says, pushing his chair back, suddenly aware that he is too close. At his feet, painted on the road, is a simple white line, the words "Norge" and "Sverige" on either side. The pandemic has put a halt to the identical twins' weekly visits to each other's homes. Ola lives in Halden, in southeastern Norway, where he moved almost 40 years ago for love, while Pontus lives a half-hour drive away in the southwestern Swedish town of Stromstad. Instead, they come together here, at a more or less respectful distance, on the old Svinesund bridge that straddles a fjord between the two countries. They've celebrated their 72nd and 73rd birthdays this way on April 20. "It's very strange but it's become a need, a pressing need, because we used to see each other every week and we wanted to continue that," says Pontus from the Swedish side. "The pandemic hasn't stopped us from seeing each other and for us, that's a victory." While the local restrictions have changed over the months as the virus situation has evolved, the border has remained closed. The closure has angered Norwegians, many of whom own summer homes in Sweden, where life is cheaper, to such an extent that they sued the Norwegian state to get it to lift the mandatory quarantine required when they return home. 'A little party' The few motorists who use the bridge usually smile or wave at the two grey-bearded gents sitting in their chairs. Ola, a former nursing assistant who now spends his time making scenery for a theatre, and Pontus, an artist and amateur ornithologist, have become local celebrities, with some people driving up to five hours just to take their photograph. "That's not very important to us. The important thing to us is to be able to get together and talk about whatever we want," says Ola, sporting a red bow tie "because it's May 1st". From their privileged perch, the two have, on occasion, found themselves in the role of benevolent smugglers, like the day when they delivered a puppy born in Sweden to its new family in Norway. That's their fondest memory, they say. In more than a year, they've only missed their weekly rendezvous three times, because of stubborn police who wouldn't let them onto the bridge. Otherwise, they've kept to their schedule through blizzards or heatwaves, simply dressing for the weather. Before the vaccination rollout, many elderly reported feeling a sense of isolation during the pandemic, as a result of having to shield themselves from the virus. "Each meeting has been a little party," says Pontus, who is divorced. "For me who lives alone, it's really important to see Ola. Without that I'd be depressed." Does he miss hugging his brother? "Yes," he says with a contagious laugh. "So sometimes I hug myself -- since we're identical."

Border divides, and unites, Swedish twins separated by Covid

A treasure trove of relics from the Bronze Age was discovered in Sweden recently. Swedish authorities reported the discovery dating back to 2,500 years ago on Thursday which was originally spotted by an orienteering enthusiast in April.

The authorities reported that the relics primarily include jewellery, which were found outside the Swedish town of Alingsås. According to the Swedish Country Administrative Board, the relics constitute "the most spectacular and largest cache finds" from the Bronze Age ever in Sweden.

<img alt="hhe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0475db09-0504-4739-b093-5bcc16094bfc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_60.jpg" />

<h6>(Images: AFP)</h6>

The relics can be put in the timeline between 740 and 500 BCE and include “very well preserved necklaces, chains and needles” - all made out of bronze.

Shockingly, the objects were simply lying in the open forest near a few boulders. Researchers believe that the relics were dug out by animals. "Presumably animals have dug them out of a crevice between the boulders, where you can assume that they had been lying before," the authorities said in a statement.

<img alt="ii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c341978f-c35f-4df8-803f-741db0ad0f66" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_47.jpg" />

The objects were discovered by Tomas Karlsson, a cartographer who first believed the objects to be junk, AFP reported. "It looked like metal garbage. Is that a lamp lying here, I thought at first," Dagens Nyheter newspaper quoted him as saying. He further said that “it all looked so new” and that he thought they were “fake”.

<img alt="aa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11d8460a-2a48-4100-b342-e3594e277109" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_37.jpg" />

Soon after, the discovery was reported to local authorities who sent out a team of archaeologists to assess the site of findings.

In the official statement, bronze items found in the forest may be associated with a woman “of high status from the Bronze Age”, as stated by Johan Ling, a professor or archaeology at the University of Gothenburg.

(With inputs from agencies)

A treasure trove of relics from the Bronze Age was discovered in Sweden recently. Swedish authorities reported the discovery dating back to 2,500 years ago on Thursday which was originally spotted by an orienteering enthusiast in April.

A treasure trove of relics from the Bronze Age was discovered in Sweden recently. Swedish authorities reported the discovery dating back to 2,500 years ago on Thursday which was originally spotted by an orienteering enthusiast in April. The authorities reported that the relics primarily include jewellery, which were found outside the Swedish town of Alingsås. According to the Swedish Country Administrative Board, the relics constitute "the most spectacular and largest cache finds" from the Bronze Age ever in Sweden. (Images: AFP) The relics can be put in the timeline between 740 and 500 BCE and include “very well preserved necklaces, chains and needles” - all made out of bronze. Shockingly, the objects were simply lying in the open forest near a few boulders. Researchers believe that the relics were dug out by animals. "Presumably animals have dug them out of a crevice between the boulders, where you can assume that they had been lying before," the authorities said in a statement. The objects were discovered by Tomas Karlsson, a cartographer who first believed the objects to be junk, AFP reported. "It looked like metal garbage. Is that a lamp lying here, I thought at first," Dagens Nyheter newspaper quoted him as saying. He further said that “it all looked so new” and that he thought they were “fake”. Soon after, the discovery was reported to local authorities who sent out a team of archaeologists to assess the site of findings. In the official statement, bronze items found in the forest may be associated with a woman “of high status from the Bronze Age”, as stated by Johan Ling, a professor or archaeology at the University of Gothenburg. (With inputs from agencies)

In pics: Treasure trove of relics from Bronze Age discovered in Sweden

Hundreds marched in capitals of Finland and Sweden on Saturday to protest measures taken by the respective governments to stop the spread of coronavirus.

A protest in Helsinki drew 300 participants and resulted in about 50 arrests, as per tweet by Finnish police. Organisers of the event had announced that there would only be 6 participants.

Those arrested for failing to obey police orders were fined, and the crowd was otherwise dispersed by police without major incident.&nbsp;

Finland has one of Europe's lowest infection rates, though a rise in cases in mid-February led to new restrictions, such as restaurant closures.

In Stockholm, 500 to 600 people marched with banners demanding "freedom and truth". The event lasted for more than two hours.

Unlike other European countries, Sweden opted for months not to impose strict measures on its population at the start of the pandemic, issuing guidance in the form of recommendations instead.

In November, however, facing a significant second wave of infections, Sweden capped public gatherings at eight participants and forced cafes, bars and restaurants to close at 8:30 p.m.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds marched in capitals of Finland and Sweden on Saturday to protest measures taken by the respective governments to stop the spread of coronavirus. A protest in Helsinki drew 300 participants and resulted in about 50 arrests, as per tweet by Finnish police.

Hundreds marched in capitals of Finland and Sweden on Saturday to protest measures taken by the respective governments to stop the spread of coronavirus. A protest in Helsinki drew 300 participants and resulted in about 50 arrests, as per tweet by Finnish police. Organisers of the event had announced that there would only be 6 participants. Those arrested for failing to obey police orders were fined, and the crowd was otherwise dispersed by police without major incident. Finland has one of Europe's lowest infection rates, though a rise in cases in mid-February led to new restrictions, such as restaurant closures. In Stockholm, 500 to 600 people marched with banners demanding "freedom and truth". The event lasted for more than two hours. Unlike other European countries, Sweden opted for months not to impose strict measures on its population at the start of the pandemic, issuing guidance in the form of recommendations instead. In November, however, facing a significant second wave of infections, Sweden capped public gatherings at eight participants and forced cafes, bars and restaurants to close at 8:30 p.m. (With inputs from agencies)

Protests in Finland, Sweden against coronavirus measures

Norwegian health ministry said on Thursday that the country will be sending 216,000 Covid vaccine doses to Sweden and Iceland at their request. Norway has suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine until further notice.&nbsp;

"I'm happy that the vaccines we have in stock can be put to use even if the AstraZeneca vaccine has been paused in Norway," Health Minister Bent Hoie said in a statement.

The doses are currently stored in Norwegian fridges and have to be used before their expiry dates in June and July.

Sweden will receive 200,000 shots and Iceland 16,000 under the expectation they will return the favour at some point.

"If we do resume the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, we will get the doses back as soon as we ask," Hoie said. 
Like neighbouring Denmark, Norway suspended the use of the AstraZeneca jab on March 11 in order to examine rare but potentially severe side effects, including blood clots.

Five cases of severe thrombosis, including three fatal, were recorded in Norway. These individuals had received AstraZeneca jabs. The deaths were registered among relatively young people who were otherwise in good condition. One other person died of a brain haemorrhage.

On April 15, Norway's government ignored a recommendation from the Institute of Public Health to drop the AstraZeneca jab for good, saying it wanted more time to decide.

Oslo has therefore set up a committee of Norwegian and international experts tasked with studying all of the risks linked to the AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines, which is also suspected of causing blood clots. Both are both based on adenovirus vector technology.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Norwegian health ministry said on Thursday that the country will be sending 216,000 Covid vaccine doses to Sweden and Iceland at their request. Norway has suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine until further notice.

Norwegian health ministry said on Thursday that the country will be sending 216,000 Covid vaccine doses to Sweden and Iceland at their request. Norway has suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine until further notice. "I'm happy that the vaccines we have in stock can be put to use even if the AstraZeneca vaccine has been paused in Norway," Health Minister Bent Hoie said in a statement. The doses are currently stored in Norwegian fridges and have to be used before their expiry dates in June and July. Sweden will receive 200,000 shots and Iceland 16,000 under the expectation they will return the favour at some point. "If we do resume the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, we will get the doses back as soon as we ask," Hoie said. Like neighbouring Denmark, Norway suspended the use of the AstraZeneca jab on March 11 in order to examine rare but potentially severe side effects, including blood clots. Five cases of severe thrombosis, including three fatal, were recorded in Norway. These individuals had received AstraZeneca jabs. The deaths were registered among relatively young people who were otherwise in good condition. One other person died of a brain haemorrhage. On April 15, Norway's government ignored a recommendation from the Institute of Public Health to drop the AstraZeneca jab for good, saying it wanted more time to decide. Oslo has therefore set up a committee of Norwegian and international experts tasked with studying all of the risks linked to the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, which is also suspected of causing blood clots. Both are both based on adenovirus vector technology. (With inputs from agencies)

Norway to send 216,000 AstraZeneca Covid vaccine doses to Iceland and Sweden

Four NGOs announced on Monday they have filed a criminal complaint in Sweden against members of the Syrian regime, including President Bashar al-Assad, over chemical weapons attacks in 2013 and 2017. &nbsp;

In the complaint filed with Swedish police, the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM), Civil Rights Defenders, Syrian Archive (SA) and the Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI) accuse the Damascus regime of chemical attacks using sarin gas, in Khan Shaykhun in 2017 and Ghouta in 2013.&nbsp;

Sarin gas is illegal under the international Chemicals Weapons Convention. &nbsp;

The complaint includes testimonies from victims and survivors of the attacks as well as "hundreds of documentary evidence items, including photos and videos," and analysis of the Syrian military command structure. &nbsp;

"Ultimately, the purpose of the complaint is that those responsible for these chemical weapons attacks be brought to justice"," Aida Samani, legal adviser at Civil Rights Defenders, told AFP. &nbsp;

"What we are hoping for is that they will open an investigation... and detain those suspected of these acts in their absence," Samani added. &nbsp;

Samani explained that such a decision would mean Swedish prosecutors could issue a European arrest warrant to apprehend the suspects should they enter Europe. &nbsp;

According to a summary of the complaint reviewed by AFP, over a dozen individuals were named as suspected perpetrators, including President Bashar al-Assad in both cases. &nbsp;

Syrian Defence Minister Ali Abdullah Ayyoub was linked to the Khan Shaykhun attack and Bashar al-Assad's brother Maher Al-Assad was linked to the Ghouta attack. &nbsp;

Other high-ranking members of the regime and Syrian military, as well as military personnel believed to be directly involved in the attacks, were listed. &nbsp;

Four NGOs announced on Monday they have filed a criminal complaint in Sweden against members of the Syrian regime, including President Bashar al-Assad, over chemical weapons attacks in 2013 and 2017.

Four NGOs announced on Monday they have filed a criminal complaint in Sweden against members of the Syrian regime, including President Bashar al-Assad, over chemical weapons attacks in 2013 and 2017. In the complaint filed with Swedish police, the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM), Civil Rights Defenders, Syrian Archive (SA) and the Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI) accuse the Damascus regime of chemical attacks using sarin gas, in Khan Shaykhun in 2017 and Ghouta in 2013. Sarin gas is illegal under the international Chemicals Weapons Convention. The complaint includes testimonies from victims and survivors of the attacks as well as "hundreds of documentary evidence items, including photos and videos," and analysis of the Syrian military command structure. "Ultimately, the purpose of the complaint is that those responsible for these chemical weapons attacks be brought to justice"," Aida Samani, legal adviser at Civil Rights Defenders, told AFP. "What we are hoping for is that they will open an investigation... and detain those suspected of these acts in their absence," Samani added. Samani explained that such a decision would mean Swedish prosecutors could issue a European arrest warrant to apprehend the suspects should they enter Europe. According to a summary of the complaint reviewed by AFP, over a dozen individuals were named as suspected perpetrators, including President Bashar al-Assad in both cases. Syrian Defence Minister Ali Abdullah Ayyoub was linked to the Khan Shaykhun attack and Bashar al-Assad's brother Maher Al-Assad was linked to the Ghouta attack. Other high-ranking members of the regime and Syrian military, as well as military personnel believed to be directly involved in the attacks, were listed.

NGOs file case in Sweden over Syrian chemical attacks  

The ruling could not have been more clear.

One of soccer’s six regional bodies had engaged in discriminatory behavior against a female official by hindering her chances of getting a seat on its board and a leadership position with the sport’s global governing body, FIFA.

The official, Mariyam Mohamed, also convinced judges at sports’ top court that an influential Kuwaiti sheikh had actively interfered in elections held by the Asian Football Confederation in 2019 to achieve his desired outcome.

The full ruling, which has not been published, was obtained by The New York Times. In it, a panel at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland concluded that the inaction by Asian soccer officials over several months amounted to a “denial of justice” for Mohamed. Yet two months since the decision was announced, the effect of what appears to be a powerful denunciation of ethics breaches and a disregard for women’s rights has had all the effect of a snowball hitting a tank.

Nothing has happened.

The tainted elections will not be rerun. The men who offered Mohamed inducements to drop out have not been punished. And soccer’s leaders have taken no action.

FIFA said in an email it had no comment, even though it previously insisted it would follow up on the court’s findings with soccer officials in Asia. Asian soccer’s governing body also declined to comment, saying its leaders had nothing to add to a January statement in which they had pledged the organization would review the findings.

For Mohamed, the silence has been maddening.

“It’s just a game for them, justice denial, the same process that I was in,” she said in a phone interview. “They’re waiting for time to pass by, and hoping I get fed up. Now the verdict has come, and it’s just very sad. I don’t know where else to go now.”

Mohamed, who filed her complaints to the Asian federation’s disciplinary department in May 2019, says she initially celebrated the ruling, but came to realize it may amount to a Pyrrhic victory.

She has not been contacted by officials from the AFC, she said. Nor has she heard from ethics investigators from FIFA, even though the organization’s rules state that gender discrimination is “strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion.”

The case and its aftermath have highlighted how power works in global sports. It shows how a tainted Gulf royal linked to other cases of corruption has been able to exert significant control over one of soccer’s largest governing bodies even though he has no official role in its affairs. And it shows how a strategy of delay can be its own kind of injustice.

Mohamed’s case had roots in FIFA’s response to its own problems with discrimination: To address a lack of women on its governing board, the organization since 2013 set aside specific seats for women, starting with one voting member in 2013 and now a minimum of one from each of FIFA’s six regional confederations.

Mohamed, a former soccer player and coach from the Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, had hoped to win the AFC’s spot in a vote in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in April 2019. It did not take her long to realize that the power brokers of Asian soccer had already decided the election’s outcome.

She filed her first complaints about the election to the Asian confederation’s disciplinary department a month later. Emails show the organization responded to her inquiries by insisting it had begun an investigation, although it appears little was done. The AFC, citing confidentiality, refused to supply any evidence of its investigation to the court.

At a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport last July, the AFC hardly put up a defense. Its lawyers offered no witnesses to challenge Mohamed’s testimony that a top confederation official and the head of the soccer federation of Qatar had been present in a luxury hotel suite when the Kuwaiti sheikh, Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah, told Mohamed he had decided that his preferred candidate, Mahfuza Akhter Kiron of Bangladesh, would be elected as the AFC’s female representative to the FIFA Council.

Mohamed was told she should drop her candidacy, and do so within 24 hours. She later claimed, in testimony that went unchallenged by the AFC, that Sheikh Ahmad attempted to mollify her by saying he had so much sway in international soccer circles that he could obtain for her “any other position of her choosing at the AFC or FIFA” in exchange for her withdrawal.

By this point, Sheikh Ahmad had no official role in soccer, having resigned his position on the FIFA Council in 2017 after allegations emerged in a U.S. federal court that he had bribed Asian officials. But Mohamed’s decision to take her case to court provided a rare public glimpse into his continuing stature as a power broker in global sports through his role as the president of the Olympic Council of Asia, an organization created by his father in 1982.

At a 2013 International Olympic Committee meeting, for example, Sheikh Ahmad’s support helped Thomas Bach secure the IOC presidency and also deliver the 2020 Olympics to Tokyo. Since he was indicted in a forgery case unrelated to sports in 2018, he has “self-suspended” from two prominent Olympic roles. But his opinion still carries weight.

Before the AFC’s 2019 elections, his legal troubles did not seem to be an issue. A list of his favored candidates was distributed to AFC voters on the eve of the elections and, aware of the talks with Mohamed and of Sheikh Ahmad’s preference for a different candidate, the leaders of several federations pressured Mohamed to drop out, she said. She declined to withdraw, and lost the vote, 31-15. Every candidate on Sheikh Ahmad’s list, however, was elected to seats on the AFC’s executive board or, as in Kiron’s case, as a confederation representative to FIFA.

After reviewing the evidence presented by Mohamed and her lawyers, the CAS panel made clear in the summary of its decision that it agreed with her version of the events. The panel confirmed that the 2019 elections had breached FIFA and AFC rules on gender discrimination. It concluded that Sheikh Ahmad had tried to influence the outcome, and that the AFC had denied Mohamed justice by not making a ruling on her complaint. It did, however, also say that by not bowing out of the elections, Mohamed ensured the sheikh’s efforts to influence the election in her case were not effective.

But the court said it was powerless to order that the flawed elections be annulled, or to punish any of the individuals accused of interfering with them. Any decision on further action was for FIFA, and the AFC, to decide, the court said.

Because of the rules governing the court, the panel’s full findings have been cloaked in secrecy since the verdict was announced on Jan. 25.

“If nothing happens it is a disgrace for FIFA, the AFC, and undermines the authority of CAS indirectly,” said Miguel Maduro, the former FIFA governance head who gave evidence in Mohamed’s case. “This award and what follows tells us at once that CAS has exposed corruption at the highest level of elections in football and at the same time tells us they cannot do anything about it.”

Maduro added that at the very least, FIFA should have initiated an ethics inquiry after the ruling. To date, it has not.

Such a move, though, would be extremely sensitive for soccer’s global leadership. The FIFA official responsible for overseeing the 2019 election, Eduardo Ache, told the CAS panel that soccer’s guidelines to improve female representation were mere recommendations. The panel said Ache’s evidence suggested he was “prepared to accept any discrimination provided at least one woman was elected to FIFA.”

But pressing for discipline in the case also could be uncomfortable for FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, who relies on the support of national and regional soccer leaders to push his agenda. He recently spent two weeks touring Africa, for example, to ensure that his favored candidate, a South African billionaire with no high-level experience in soccer administration, was elected president of the continent’s regional confederation. And he is unlikely to press for discipline against the leader of Qatar’s soccer federation — reportedly present when Mohamed was offered inducements to step aside — or any other Asian leader a year before Qatar hosts the 2022 World Cup.

The longer the full ruling in Mohamed’s case goes unpublished, though, the more it will give the appearance soccer’s leaders are trying to brush a problematic situation under the carpet, said Johan Lindholm, a professor of law at Umea University in Sweden who has published a book on CAS.

“Whether it’s because of bad PR or there are other things going on, then you would probably want to keep it as secret as possible,” Lindholm said.

The ruling could not have been more clear. One of soccer’s six regional bodies had engaged in discriminatory behavior against a female official by hindering her chances of getting a seat on its board and a leadership position with the sport’s global governing body, FIFA.

The ruling could not have been more clear. One of soccer’s six regional bodies had engaged in discriminatory behavior against a female official by hindering her chances of getting a seat on its board and a leadership position with the sport’s global governing body, FIFA. The official, Mariyam Mohamed, also convinced judges at sports’ top court that an influential Kuwaiti sheikh had actively interfered in elections held by the Asian Football Confederation in 2019 to achieve his desired outcome. The full ruling, which has not been published, was obtained by The New York Times. In it, a panel at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland concluded that the inaction by Asian soccer officials over several months amounted to a “denial of justice” for Mohamed. Yet two months since the decision was announced, the effect of what appears to be a powerful denunciation of ethics breaches and a disregard for women’s rights has had all the effect of a snowball hitting a tank. Nothing has happened. The tainted elections will not be rerun. The men who offered Mohamed inducements to drop out have not been punished. And soccer’s leaders have taken no action. FIFA said in an email it had no comment, even though it previously insisted it would follow up on the court’s findings with soccer officials in Asia. Asian soccer’s governing body also declined to comment, saying its leaders had nothing to add to a January statement in which they had pledged the organization would review the findings. For Mohamed, the silence has been maddening. “It’s just a game for them, justice denial, the same process that I was in,” she said in a phone interview. “They’re waiting for time to pass by, and hoping I get fed up. Now the verdict has come, and it’s just very sad. I don’t know where else to go now.” Mohamed, who filed her complaints to the Asian federation’s disciplinary department in May 2019, says she initially celebrated the ruling, but came to realize it may amount to a Pyrrhic victory. She has not been contacted by officials from the AFC, she said. Nor has she heard from ethics investigators from FIFA, even though the organization’s rules state that gender discrimination is “strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion.” The case and its aftermath have highlighted how power works in global sports. It shows how a tainted Gulf royal linked to other cases of corruption has been able to exert significant control over one of soccer’s largest governing bodies even though he has no official role in its affairs. And it shows how a strategy of delay can be its own kind of injustice. Mohamed’s case had roots in FIFA’s response to its own problems with discrimination: To address a lack of women on its governing board, the organization since 2013 set aside specific seats for women, starting with one voting member in 2013 and now a minimum of one from each of FIFA’s six regional confederations. Mohamed, a former soccer player and coach from the Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, had hoped to win the AFC’s spot in a vote in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in April 2019. It did not take her long to realize that the power brokers of Asian soccer had already decided the election’s outcome. She filed her first complaints about the election to the Asian confederation’s disciplinary department a month later. Emails show the organization responded to her inquiries by insisting it had begun an investigation, although it appears little was done. The AFC, citing confidentiality, refused to supply any evidence of its investigation to the court. At a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport last July, the AFC hardly put up a defense. Its lawyers offered no witnesses to challenge Mohamed’s testimony that a top confederation official and the head of the soccer federation of Qatar had been present in a luxury hotel suite when the Kuwaiti sheikh, Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah, told Mohamed he had decided that his preferred candidate, Mahfuza Akhter Kiron of Bangladesh, would be elected as the AFC’s female representative to the FIFA Council. Mohamed was told she should drop her candidacy, and do so within 24 hours. She later claimed, in testimony that went unchallenged by the AFC, that Sheikh Ahmad attempted to mollify her by saying he had so much sway in international soccer circles that he could obtain for her “any other position of her choosing at the AFC or FIFA” in exchange for her withdrawal. By this point, Sheikh Ahmad had no official role in soccer, having resigned his position on the FIFA Council in 2017 after allegations emerged in a U.S. federal court that he had bribed Asian officials. But Mohamed’s decision to take her case to court provided a rare public glimpse into his continuing stature as a power broker in global sports through his role as the president of the Olympic Council of Asia, an organization created by his father in 1982. At a 2013 International Olympic Committee meeting, for example, Sheikh Ahmad’s support helped Thomas Bach secure the IOC presidency and also deliver the 2020 Olympics to Tokyo. Since he was indicted in a forgery case unrelated to sports in 2018, he has “self-suspended” from two prominent Olympic roles. But his opinion still carries weight. Before the AFC’s 2019 elections, his legal troubles did not seem to be an issue. A list of his favored candidates was distributed to AFC voters on the eve of the elections and, aware of the talks with Mohamed and of Sheikh Ahmad’s preference for a different candidate, the leaders of several federations pressured Mohamed to drop out, she said. She declined to withdraw, and lost the vote, 31-15. Every candidate on Sheikh Ahmad’s list, however, was elected to seats on the AFC’s executive board or, as in Kiron’s case, as a confederation representative to FIFA. After reviewing the evidence presented by Mohamed and her lawyers, the CAS panel made clear in the summary of its decision that it agreed with her version of the events. The panel confirmed that the 2019 elections had breached FIFA and AFC rules on gender discrimination. It concluded that Sheikh Ahmad had tried to influence the outcome, and that the AFC had denied Mohamed justice by not making a ruling on her complaint. It did, however, also say that by not bowing out of the elections, Mohamed ensured the sheikh’s efforts to influence the election in her case were not effective. But the court said it was powerless to order that the flawed elections be annulled, or to punish any of the individuals accused of interfering with them. Any decision on further action was for FIFA, and the AFC, to decide, the court said. Because of the rules governing the court, the panel’s full findings have been cloaked in secrecy since the verdict was announced on Jan. 25. “If nothing happens it is a disgrace for FIFA, the AFC, and undermines the authority of CAS indirectly,” said Miguel Maduro, the former FIFA governance head who gave evidence in Mohamed’s case. “This award and what follows tells us at once that CAS has exposed corruption at the highest level of elections in football and at the same time tells us they cannot do anything about it.” Maduro added that at the very least, FIFA should have initiated an ethics inquiry after the ruling. To date, it has not. Such a move, though, would be extremely sensitive for soccer’s global leadership. The FIFA official responsible for overseeing the 2019 election, Eduardo Ache, told the CAS panel that soccer’s guidelines to improve female representation were mere recommendations. The panel said Ache’s evidence suggested he was “prepared to accept any discrimination provided at least one woman was elected to FIFA.” But pressing for discipline in the case also could be uncomfortable for FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, who relies on the support of national and regional soccer leaders to push his agenda. He recently spent two weeks touring Africa, for example, to ensure that his favored candidate, a South African billionaire with no high-level experience in soccer administration, was elected president of the continent’s regional confederation. And he is unlikely to press for discipline against the leader of Qatar’s soccer federation — reportedly present when Mohamed was offered inducements to step aside — or any other Asian leader a year before Qatar hosts the 2022 World Cup. The longer the full ruling in Mohamed’s case goes unpublished, though, the more it will give the appearance soccer’s leaders are trying to brush a problematic situation under the carpet, said Johan Lindholm, a professor of law at Umea University in Sweden who has published a book on CAS. “Whether it’s because of bad PR or there are other things going on, then you would probably want to keep it as secret as possible,” Lindholm said.

A soccer official proved her discrimination case. No one was punished.

Hadija Haruna-Oelker, a Black journalist, has just produced the German translation of Amanda Gorman’s “The Hill We Climb,” the poem about a “skinny Black girl” that for many people was the highlight of President Joe Biden’s inauguration.

So has Kübra Gümüsay, a German writer of Turkish descent.

As has Uda Strätling, a translator, who is white.

Literary translation is usually a solitary pursuit, but German publisher Hoffmann und Campe went for a team of writers to ensure the translation of Gorman’s poem — just 710 words — wasn’t just true to Gorman’s voice. The trio was also asked to make its political and social significance clear and to avoid anything that might exclude people of color, people with disabilities, women or other marginalized groups.

“It was a gamble,” Strätling said of the collaborative approach.

For nearly two weeks, the team debated word choices, occasionally emailing Gorman for clarifications. But as they worked, an argument was brewing elsewhere in Europe about who has the right to translate the poet’s work.

“This whole debate started,” Gümüsay said, with a sigh.

It began in February when Meulenhoff, a publisher in the Netherlands, said it had asked Marieke Lucas Rijneveld, a writer whose debut novel won last year’s Booker International Prize, to translate Gorman’s poem into Dutch.

Rijneveld was the “ideal candidate,” Meulenhoff said in a statement. But many social media users disagreed, asking why a white writer had been chosen when Gorman’s reading at the inauguration had been a significant cultural moment for Black people.

Three days later, Rijneveld quit. (Rijneveld declined an interview request for this article.)

In March, the debate reignited after Victor Obiols, another white translator, was dropped by the Catalan publisher Univers. Obiols said he was told his profile “was not suitable for the project.” (A Univers spokeswoman declined to comment.)

Literary figures and newspaper columnists across Europe have been arguing for weeks about what these decisions mean, turning Gorman’s poem into the latest flash point in debates about identity politics across the continent. The discussion has shone a light on the often unexamined world of literary translation and its lack of racial diversity.

“I can’t recall a translation controversy ever taking the world by storm like this,” Aaron Robertson, a Black Italian-to-English translator, said in a phone interview.

“This feels something of a watershed moment,” he added.

On Monday, the American Literary Translators Association waded into the furor. “The question of whether identity should be the deciding factor in who is allowed to translate whom is a false framing of the issues at play,” it said in a statement published on its website.

The real problem underlying the controversy was “the scarcity of Black translators,” it added. Last year, the association carried out a diversity survey. Only 2% of the 362 translators who responded were Black, a spokeswoman for the association said in an email.

In a video interview, the members of the German team said they, too, felt the debate had missed the point. “People are asking questions like, ‘Does color give you the right to translate?’” Haruna-Oelker said. “This is not about color.”

She added: “It’s about quality, it’s about the skills you have, and about perspectives.” Each member of the German team brought different things to the group, she said.

The team spent a long time discussing how to translate the word “skinny,” without conjuring images of an overly thin woman, Gümüsay said, and they debated how to bring a sense of the poem’s gender-inclusive language into German, in which many objects — and all people — are either masculine or feminine. “You’re constantly moving back and forth between the politics and the composition,” Strätling said.

“To me it felt like dancing,” Gümüsay said of the process. Haruna-Oelker added that the team tried hard to find words “which don’t hurt anyone.”

But whereas the German translators were happy to engage with the identity politics, others expressed frustration at the translator departures and their implications. Nuria Barrios, the translator of the poem’s Spanish edition, who is white, wrote in the newspaper El País that Rijneveld's stepping down from the project was “a catastrophe.”

“It is the victory of identity politics over creative freedom,” she wrote, adding: “To remove imagination from translation is to subject the craft to a lobotomy.”

Some Black academics and translators have also expressed concern. “There is a tacit idea that we are supposed to be especially concerned about the ‘appropriateness’ of a translator’s identity in the particular case of blackness,” John McWhorter, a professor of English and comparative literature at Columbia University, said in an email.

Other differences between writers and their translators — such as wealth levels, or political views — were not sparking concern, McWhorter added. “Instead, our sense of ‘diversity’ is narrower than that word implies: It’s only about skin color,” he said.

Couching the discussion in terms of appropriateness was “really ridiculous,” said Janice Deul, a Black Dutch journalist and activist who on Feb. 25 wrote an opinion piece for De Volkskrant, a Dutch newspaper, calling Rijneveld’s appointment “incomprehensible.” The following day, Rijneveld resigned.

“This is not about who can translate, it’s about who gets opportunities to translate,” Deul said. She listed 10 Black Dutch spoken-word artists who could have done the job in her article but said all of them had been overlooked.

The one opinion missing in all of this is, of course, Gorman’s. Viking is releasing “The Hill We Climb” in the United States on Tuesday. Apple TV Plus on Friday began streaming her interview with Oprah Winfrey, but she has not commented on the debate her work has spurred. Her spokeswoman didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Gorman, or her agent, Writers House, which represents the translation rights, appeared to have influence on who was selected. Aylin LaMorey-Salzmann, the editor of the German edition of “The Hill We Climb,” said that the rights owner had to agree to the choice, which had to be someone of similar profile to Gorman.

Irene Christopoulou, an editor at Psichogios, the poem’s Greek publisher, was still waiting for approval for its choice of translator. The translator was a white “emerging female poet,” Christopoulou said in an email. “Due to the racial profile of the Greek population, there are no translators/poets of color to choose from,” she added.

A spokeswoman for Tammi, the poem’s Finnish publisher, said in an email that “The negotiations are still going on with the agent and Amanda Gorman herself.”

Several European publishers named Black musicians as their translators. Timbuktu, a rapper, has completed a Swedish version, and Marie-Pierra Kakoma, a singer better known as Lous and the Yakuza, has translated the French edition, which will be published by Editions Fayard in May.

“I thought Lous’ writing skills, her sense of rhythm, her connection with spoken poetry would be tremendous assets,” Sophie de Closets, a publisher at Fayard, said in an email explaining why she chose a pop star.

Issues of identity “should definitely be considered” when hiring translators, de Closets added, but that went beyond race. “It is the publisher’s responsibility to look for the ideal combination between one given work and the person who will translate it,” she said.

Haruna-Oelker, one of the German translators, said one disappointing outcome of the debate in Europe was it had diverted attention from the message of Gorman’s poem. “The Hill We Climb” spoke about bringing people together, Haruna-Oelker said, just as the German publisher had done by assembling a team.

“We’ve tried a beautiful experiment here, and this is where the future lies,” Gümüsay said. “The future lies in trying to find new forms of collaboration, trying to bring together more voices, more sets of eyes, more perspectives to create something new.”

Hadija Haruna-Oelker, a Black journalist, has just produced the German translation of Amanda Gorman’s “The Hill We Climb,” the poem about a “skinny Black girl” that for many people was the highlight of President Joe Biden’s inauguration.

Hadija Haruna-Oelker, a Black journalist, has just produced the German translation of Amanda Gorman’s “The Hill We Climb,” the poem about a “skinny Black girl” that for many people was the highlight of President Joe Biden’s inauguration. So has Kübra Gümüsay, a German writer of Turkish descent. As has Uda Strätling, a translator, who is white. Literary translation is usually a solitary pursuit, but German publisher Hoffmann und Campe went for a team of writers to ensure the translation of Gorman’s poem — just 710 words — wasn’t just true to Gorman’s voice. The trio was also asked to make its political and social significance clear and to avoid anything that might exclude people of color, people with disabilities, women or other marginalized groups. “It was a gamble,” Strätling said of the collaborative approach. For nearly two weeks, the team debated word choices, occasionally emailing Gorman for clarifications. But as they worked, an argument was brewing elsewhere in Europe about who has the right to translate the poet’s work. “This whole debate started,” Gümüsay said, with a sigh. It began in February when Meulenhoff, a publisher in the Netherlands, said it had asked Marieke Lucas Rijneveld, a writer whose debut novel won last year’s Booker International Prize, to translate Gorman’s poem into Dutch. Rijneveld was the “ideal candidate,” Meulenhoff said in a statement. But many social media users disagreed, asking why a white writer had been chosen when Gorman’s reading at the inauguration had been a significant cultural moment for Black people. Three days later, Rijneveld quit. (Rijneveld declined an interview request for this article.) In March, the debate reignited after Victor Obiols, another white translator, was dropped by the Catalan publisher Univers. Obiols said he was told his profile “was not suitable for the project.” (A Univers spokeswoman declined to comment.) Literary figures and newspaper columnists across Europe have been arguing for weeks about what these decisions mean, turning Gorman’s poem into the latest flash point in debates about identity politics across the continent. The discussion has shone a light on the often unexamined world of literary translation and its lack of racial diversity. “I can’t recall a translation controversy ever taking the world by storm like this,” Aaron Robertson, a Black Italian-to-English translator, said in a phone interview. “This feels something of a watershed moment,” he added. On Monday, the American Literary Translators Association waded into the furor. “The question of whether identity should be the deciding factor in who is allowed to translate whom is a false framing of the issues at play,” it said in a statement published on its website. The real problem underlying the controversy was “the scarcity of Black translators,” it added. Last year, the association carried out a diversity survey. Only 2% of the 362 translators who responded were Black, a spokeswoman for the association said in an email. In a video interview, the members of the German team said they, too, felt the debate had missed the point. “People are asking questions like, ‘Does color give you the right to translate?’” Haruna-Oelker said. “This is not about color.” She added: “It’s about quality, it’s about the skills you have, and about perspectives.” Each member of the German team brought different things to the group, she said. The team spent a long time discussing how to translate the word “skinny,” without conjuring images of an overly thin woman, Gümüsay said, and they debated how to bring a sense of the poem’s gender-inclusive language into German, in which many objects — and all people — are either masculine or feminine. “You’re constantly moving back and forth between the politics and the composition,” Strätling said. “To me it felt like dancing,” Gümüsay said of the process. Haruna-Oelker added that the team tried hard to find words “which don’t hurt anyone.” But whereas the German translators were happy to engage with the identity politics, others expressed frustration at the translator departures and their implications. Nuria Barrios, the translator of the poem’s Spanish edition, who is white, wrote in the newspaper El País that Rijneveld's stepping down from the project was “a catastrophe.” “It is the victory of identity politics over creative freedom,” she wrote, adding: “To remove imagination from translation is to subject the craft to a lobotomy.” Some Black academics and translators have also expressed concern. “There is a tacit idea that we are supposed to be especially concerned about the ‘appropriateness’ of a translator’s identity in the particular case of blackness,” John McWhorter, a professor of English and comparative literature at Columbia University, said in an email. Other differences between writers and their translators — such as wealth levels, or political views — were not sparking concern, McWhorter added. “Instead, our sense of ‘diversity’ is narrower than that word implies: It’s only about skin color,” he said. Couching the discussion in terms of appropriateness was “really ridiculous,” said Janice Deul, a Black Dutch journalist and activist who on Feb. 25 wrote an opinion piece for De Volkskrant, a Dutch newspaper, calling Rijneveld’s appointment “incomprehensible.” The following day, Rijneveld resigned. “This is not about who can translate, it’s about who gets opportunities to translate,” Deul said. She listed 10 Black Dutch spoken-word artists who could have done the job in her article but said all of them had been overlooked. The one opinion missing in all of this is, of course, Gorman’s. Viking is releasing “The Hill We Climb” in the United States on Tuesday. Apple TV Plus on Friday began streaming her interview with Oprah Winfrey, but she has not commented on the debate her work has spurred. Her spokeswoman didn’t respond to requests for comment. Gorman, or her agent, Writers House, which represents the translation rights, appeared to have influence on who was selected. Aylin LaMorey-Salzmann, the editor of the German edition of “The Hill We Climb,” said that the rights owner had to agree to the choice, which had to be someone of similar profile to Gorman. Irene Christopoulou, an editor at Psichogios, the poem’s Greek publisher, was still waiting for approval for its choice of translator. The translator was a white “emerging female poet,” Christopoulou said in an email. “Due to the racial profile of the Greek population, there are no translators/poets of color to choose from,” she added. A spokeswoman for Tammi, the poem’s Finnish publisher, said in an email that “The negotiations are still going on with the agent and Amanda Gorman herself.” Several European publishers named Black musicians as their translators. Timbuktu, a rapper, has completed a Swedish version, and Marie-Pierra Kakoma, a singer better known as Lous and the Yakuza, has translated the French edition, which will be published by Editions Fayard in May. “I thought Lous’ writing skills, her sense of rhythm, her connection with spoken poetry would be tremendous assets,” Sophie de Closets, a publisher at Fayard, said in an email explaining why she chose a pop star. Issues of identity “should definitely be considered” when hiring translators, de Closets added, but that went beyond race. “It is the publisher’s responsibility to look for the ideal combination between one given work and the person who will translate it,” she said. Haruna-Oelker, one of the German translators, said one disappointing outcome of the debate in Europe was it had diverted attention from the message of Gorman’s poem. “The Hill We Climb” spoke about bringing people together, Haruna-Oelker said, just as the German publisher had done by assembling a team. “We’ve tried a beautiful experiment here, and this is where the future lies,” Gümüsay said. “The future lies in trying to find new forms of collaboration, trying to bring together more voices, more sets of eyes, more perspectives to create something new.”

Amanda Gorman’s poetry united critics; it’s dividing translators

Sweden is planning to charge air carriers more based on how much they contribute to pollution. The government said that airlines will have to pay more if their aircraft cause more pollution during takeoff and landing.

The new measure will be implemented starting July and is essentially being perceived as a means to phase out planes that run on older technology and produce more waste, paving the way for airlines to commission newer and more efficient aircraft.

According to Sweden’s Ministry of Infrastructure, taking off and landing fees will be higher if a plane's impact on climate is higher, and fees will be reduced if the climate impact is lower.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/exclusive-sweden-congratulates-india-for-being-the-pharmacy-of-the-world-369362" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Sweden congratulates India for being the pharmacy of the world</a>

This marks the first such effort in the world to cut down on pollution caused by aircraft, with other countries expected to follow suit, especially in Europe. The plan is awaiting approval by Swedish parliament and will directly affect planes flying in and out of Arlanda airport in Stockholm, and Landvetter in Gothenburg.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-european-union-are-democratic-superpowers-sweden-pm-368352" hreflang="en">India, European Union are democratic superpowers: Sweden PM</a> 
 
The measure will also include planes that depend on bio fuels. The project is currently being fine-tuned, the government claims. Sweden has witnessed the oddest movement of all - the Flygskam whereby people were ‘shamed’ for flying too often, and urged to stop flying to lower carbon emissions.

Estimates by Swedish Railways posit that a single plane journey between Stockholm and Gothenburg - the country’s two biggest cities generates as much as carbon dioxide as 40,000 train journeys.

Sweden is planning to charge air carriers more based on how much they contribute to pollution. The government said that airlines will have to pay more if their aircraft cause more pollution during takeoff and landing.

Sweden is planning to charge air carriers more based on how much they contribute to pollution. The government said that airlines will have to pay more if their aircraft cause more pollution during takeoff and landing. The new measure will be implemented starting July and is essentially being perceived as a means to phase out planes that run on older technology and produce more waste, paving the way for airlines to commission newer and more efficient aircraft. According to Sweden’s Ministry of Infrastructure, taking off and landing fees will be higher if a plane's impact on climate is higher, and fees will be reduced if the climate impact is lower. Also read: Exclusive: Sweden congratulates India for being the pharmacy of the world This marks the first such effort in the world to cut down on pollution caused by aircraft, with other countries expected to follow suit, especially in Europe. The plan is awaiting approval by Swedish parliament and will directly affect planes flying in and out of Arlanda airport in Stockholm, and Landvetter in Gothenburg. Also read: India, European Union are democratic superpowers: Sweden PM The measure will also include planes that depend on bio fuels. The project is currently being fine-tuned, the government claims. Sweden has witnessed the oddest movement of all - the Flygskam whereby people were ‘shamed’ for flying too often, and urged to stop flying to lower carbon emissions. Estimates by Swedish Railways posit that a single plane journey between Stockholm and Gothenburg - the country’s two biggest cities generates as much as carbon dioxide as 40,000 train journeys.

Sweden to increase airport fees for planes that cause pollution

Klas Molin, Sweden's envoy to India,&nbsp;has said that his country "congratulates" India for being the pharmacy of the world, and appreciated how production and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines&nbsp;is taking&nbsp;place in India and&nbsp;how it is helping its neighbours.

Speaking to WION Principal Diplomatic Correspondent&nbsp;Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal, Klas talked about the recent India- Sweden virtual summit and explained that both have "very active partnership".

The two countries held a virtual summit last week, making&nbsp;Sweden the second Nordic country with which Indian PM Narendra Modi has held such a summit, after last year's India-Denmark virtual summit.&nbsp;

Modi had gone to&nbsp;Sweden in 2018 on a bilateral visit as well as for the first India-Nordic summit. The second India-Nordic summit is expected to take place later this year in Denmark.

On recent allegations of a Swedish company being involved in bribes in India, the envoy said, "these issues are taken very seriously by the Swedish govt as well as the Indian govt, am sure relevant authorities will look at this". Swedish news channel SVT reported on Tuesday that Swedish truck maker Scania had allegedly paid bribes to win contracts in India.

&nbsp;

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: How was the India Sweden virtual summit? The key outcomes?</h2>

Klas Molin: The virtual summit is the latest of five interactions between our Prime Ministers in recent years. They had a good working relationship, during the Covid times. This is the mode they have to follow, which is virtual. It was a good opportunity to run through what is a very active partnership. They have a joint action plan together and also an innovation partnership. This summit really gave a wonderful opportunity to run through the priorities, which remain the same. We have very strong cooperation in trade and investment, various kinds of research on health, a number of key issues like climate change is another area that they discussed. Sweden has decided to join the International Solar Alliance. Our Prime Ministers are partners in lead IT group, which is a leadership group on Industrial transition, which is looking at new production methods down line in industries that have been key emitters. These are some examples.

&nbsp;

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: How are both countries cooperating to deal with Covid crisis, particularly the vaccines?</h2>

Klas Molin: We had interaction with our health ministers over the year and we had a number of other interactions of experts from both sides. We have a health MoU, in effect over a decade. Our minister for health and social affairs was here two years ago with a big delegation. Under the MoU, one of the keys that was discussed and highlighted last Friday was a health hub that has been created at AIIMS, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This is the latest manifestation of cooperation. Of course, Covid is an obvious discussion point at this time and I believe and it's fair to say, Sweden is congratulating India for the work it is doing in so many areas including being the pharmacy to the world in producing vaccines. It's true, AstraZeneca is here in a big way, cooperating with the Serum Institute in Pune. We are watching both the production and rollout of vaccines for vaccination in India, also internationally efforts under Covax, and also bilaterally, what India is doing to help its neighbours. Ghana was the first country that received Indian vaccines under the Covax. So very impressive and this was recognised.

&nbsp;

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: How has the progress been on the innovation dialogue that was announced in 2018?</h2>

Klas Molin: We have an innovation partnership, it's part of the joint action plan, but it's also a standalone partnership. So we have excellent cooperation between our research foundations, our funding agencies. The PM of Sweden is personally very engaged in innovation. He chairs the national innovation council himself. When the state visit took place in late 2019 here in India, the King and Queen came, we also had the first innovation dialogue. The PM and King of Sweden jointly inaugurated the first dialogue. It is a way to learn from each other and also have our agencies, ministries but not least both the private sector, research and academia involved in innovation. It is a collective effort for everything that is going on and is an innovation partnership for a sustainable future. It needs to be sustainable in terms of climate and also in job creation, which is always an important factor for India, Sweden and globally.

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: Was Myanmar discussed during the virtual summit?</h2>

Klas Molin: The Prime ministers expressed concerns, definite and strong concerns over recent developments in last month as the new Parliament was about to take their seats, the govt was overtaken by military authorities. It is particularly troubling, given the last 10 years of democratic change, the opportunities, the free elections for 2015, the elections in Nov 2020, that had given an increasing clear majority for a party and civilian rule. The leaders acknowledged how serious they view it and how important is for the international community to step in and denounce the development.

&nbsp;

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: Any update on the India Nordic summit?</h2>

Klas Molin: The first summit happened in Stockholm, back-to-back with PM Modi's visit in April and we were very happy and honored to host that. I think it is a very useful way of combining, I mean the Nordic countries have a long history of cooperation, we are neighbours, cousins and similar, both when it comes to many of the policy issues. Also, the focus of our economies, being sustainable, being green and very heavily into information and technology. If I may speak for India, it is very clearly a useful way of meeting several leaders who happen to be similar in focus. We of course are independent countries, some of us members of the EU, some are outside, but in one stop you get chance to meet five heads of government&nbsp;and you can set out ways of cooperation which are similar to bilateral aims, but also have multiplying effects. When it comes to population, fairly humble, but economic output and interest in cooperating with India is huge and benefit for us&nbsp;and for India is definitely there, and that is why PM and Indian government&nbsp;see it in interest to approach us in the group, combined with bilateral relations.

&nbsp;

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: Reports have emerged in Swedish media on a Swedish company being allegedly involved in paying bribes in India. Any reaction?</h2>

Klas Molin: I haven't seen it, I have seen the headlines. I think it's a news story, if there is anything to allegations that are being made, sure relevant authorities will be looking into this. But naturally, these issues are taken very seriously by the Swedish govt as well as the Indian govt, am sure relevant authorities will look at this and we will see what they have to say if there is anything to say. &nbsp;

Klas Molin, Sweden's envoy to India, has said that his country "congratulates" India for being the pharmacy of the world, and appreciated how production and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines is taking place in India and how it is helping its neighbours.

Klas Molin, Sweden's envoy to India, has said that his country "congratulates" India for being the pharmacy of the world, and appreciated how production and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines is taking place in India and how it is helping its neighbours. Speaking to WION Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Klas talked about the recent India- Sweden virtual summit and explained that both have "very active partnership". The two countries held a virtual summit last week, making Sweden the second Nordic country with which Indian PM Narendra Modi has held such a summit, after last year's India-Denmark virtual summit. Modi had gone to Sweden in 2018 on a bilateral visit as well as for the first India-Nordic summit. The second India-Nordic summit is expected to take place later this year in Denmark. On recent allegations of a Swedish company being involved in bribes in India, the envoy said, "these issues are taken very seriously by the Swedish govt as well as the Indian govt, am sure relevant authorities will look at this". Swedish news channel SVT reported on Tuesday that Swedish truck maker Scania had allegedly paid bribes to win contracts in India. Sidhant Sibal: How was the India Sweden virtual summit? The key outcomes? Klas Molin: The virtual summit is the latest of five interactions between our Prime Ministers in recent years. They had a good working relationship, during the Covid times. This is the mode they have to follow, which is virtual. It was a good opportunity to run through what is a very active partnership. They have a joint action plan together and also an innovation partnership. This summit really gave a wonderful opportunity to run through the priorities, which remain the same. We have very strong cooperation in trade and investment, various kinds of research on health, a number of key issues like climate change is another area that they discussed. Sweden has decided to join the International Solar Alliance. Our Prime Ministers are partners in lead IT group, which is a leadership group on Industrial transition, which is looking at new production methods down line in industries that have been key emitters. These are some examples. Sidhant Sibal: How are both countries cooperating to deal with Covid crisis, particularly the vaccines? Klas Molin: We had interaction with our health ministers over the year and we had a number of other interactions of experts from both sides. We have a health MoU, in effect over a decade. Our minister for health and social affairs was here two years ago with a big delegation. Under the MoU, one of the keys that was discussed and highlighted last Friday was a health hub that has been created at AIIMS, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This is the latest manifestation of cooperation. Of course, Covid is an obvious discussion point at this time and I believe and it's fair to say, Sweden is congratulating India for the work it is doing in so many areas including being the pharmacy to the world in producing vaccines. It's true, AstraZeneca is here in a big way, cooperating with the Serum Institute in Pune. We are watching both the production and rollout of vaccines for vaccination in India, also internationally efforts under Covax, and also bilaterally, what India is doing to help its neighbours. Ghana was the first country that received Indian vaccines under the Covax. So very impressive and this was recognised. Sidhant Sibal: How has the progress been on the innovation dialogue that was announced in 2018? Klas Molin: We have an innovation partnership, it's part of the joint action plan, but it's also a standalone partnership. So we have excellent cooperation between our research foundations, our funding agencies. The PM of Sweden is personally very engaged in innovation. He chairs the national innovation council himself. When the state visit took place in late 2019 here in India, the King and Queen came, we also had the first innovation dialogue. The PM and King of Sweden jointly inaugurated the first dialogue. It is a way to learn from each other and also have our agencies, ministries but not least both the private sector, research and academia involved in innovation. It is a collective effort for everything that is going on and is an innovation partnership for a sustainable future. It needs to be sustainable in terms of climate and also in job creation, which is always an important factor for India, Sweden and globally. Sidhant Sibal: Was Myanmar discussed during the virtual summit? Klas Molin: The Prime ministers expressed concerns, definite and strong concerns over recent developments in last month as the new Parliament was about to take their seats, the govt was overtaken by military authorities. It is particularly troubling, given the last 10 years of democratic change, the opportunities, the free elections for 2015, the elections in Nov 2020, that had given an increasing clear majority for a party and civilian rule. The leaders acknowledged how serious they view it and how important is for the international community to step in and denounce the development. Sidhant Sibal: Any update on the India Nordic summit? Klas Molin: The first summit happened in Stockholm, back-to-back with PM Modi's visit in April and we were very happy and honored to host that. I think it is a very useful way of combining, I mean the Nordic countries have a long history of cooperation, we are neighbours, cousins and similar, both when it comes to many of the policy issues. Also, the focus of our economies, being sustainable, being green and very heavily into information and technology. If I may speak for India, it is very clearly a useful way of meeting several leaders who happen to be similar in focus. We of course are independent countries, some of us members of the EU, some are outside, but in one stop you get chance to meet five heads of government and you can set out ways of cooperation which are similar to bilateral aims, but also have multiplying effects. When it comes to population, fairly humble, but economic output and interest in cooperating with India is huge and benefit for us and for India is definitely there, and that is why PM and Indian government see it in interest to approach us in the group, combined with bilateral relations. Sidhant Sibal: Reports have emerged in Swedish media on a Swedish company being allegedly involved in paying bribes in India. Any reaction? Klas Molin: I haven't seen it, I have seen the headlines. I think it's a news story, if there is anything to allegations that are being made, sure relevant authorities will be looking into this. But naturally, these issues are taken very seriously by the Swedish govt as well as the Indian govt, am sure relevant authorities will look at this and we will see what they have to say if there is anything to say.

Exclusive: Sweden congratulates India for being the pharmacy of the world

Germany, Sweden and Poland on Monday each threw out a Russian diplomat in retaliation for Moscow's expulsion last week of their diplomats for allegedly taking part in protests in support of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

The three EU countries announced the tit-for-tat moves in coordinated statements, drawing an angry response from Russia which accused them of meddling in its internal affairs.

The diplomatic spat comes at a time of heightened tensions between the European Union and Russia, exacerbated by the arrest and jailing of leading opposition figure Navalny.

Russia humiliated the European Union on Friday by announcing the expulsions during a rare meeting in Moscow between EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

European governments strongly condemned the shock expulsions, with Berlin warning that it would respond in kind.

Moscow's decision to expel the three diplomats "was in no way justified", the German foreign ministry said Monday, adding that the German staff member had been&nbsp;doing his job of "observing developments in Russia by lawful means".

Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde said Stockholm had "informed the Russian ambassador that a person from the Russian embassy is asked to leave Sweden".&nbsp;

"This is a clear response to the unacceptable decision to expel a Swedish diplomat who was only performing his duties," she wrote on Twitter.

The Polish foreign ministry likewise condemned the "groundless expulsion" of a Polish diplomat from Saint Petersburg and said it had declared "persona non grata" a Russian consular official in Poznan, western Poland.

The Russian foreign ministry immediately hit back.

"Today's decisions by Poland, Germany and Sweden are unfounded, unfriendly and are a continuation of the very series of actions that the West is taking with regard to our country and which we qualify as interference in our internal affairs," spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on state channel Rossiya 1.

- 'Reviving relations' -

The Kremlin earlier on Monday defended the expulsion of the EU diplomats during Borrell's high-profile visit, and insisted it remained interested in reviving relations with Brussels.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the declaration of the three foreign diplomats as personae non gratae was a "consequence of the actions of some diplomatic missions in Moscow against the backdrop of illegal riots".&nbsp;

Peskov added that Moscow did not initiate "the collapse" of the relationship with the EU.&nbsp;

"Russia has been and remains interested in reviving relations between Moscow and Brussels," he told reporters.

Navalny, a fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin, was arrested upon arrival in Moscow on January 17 after spending several months in Germany recovering from a poisoning attack the West believes was ordered by the Kremlin.

He was jailed for nearly three years last week for violating parole conditions while in Germany.

Tens of thousands of Russians have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest against Putin's 20-year rule and demand Navalny's release, triggering a fierce police crackdown on demonstrators.

Western leaders too have called for Navalny to be freed immediately.

Russia has bristled at the international backing for Navalny, accusing Europe and the United States of interfering in its domestic affairs.

The EU's Borrell is expected to meet with foreign ministers from the 27 member states on February 22 to discuss fresh sanctions against Moscow that would require a unanimous vote among the EU members.

Germany, Sweden and Poland on Monday each threw out a Russian diplomat in retaliation for Moscow's expulsion last week of their diplomats for allegedly taking part in protests in support of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Germany, Sweden and Poland on Monday each threw out a Russian diplomat in retaliation for Moscow's expulsion last week of their diplomats for allegedly taking part in protests in support of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The three EU countries announced the tit-for-tat moves in coordinated statements, drawing an angry response from Russia which accused them of meddling in its internal affairs. The diplomatic spat comes at a time of heightened tensions between the European Union and Russia, exacerbated by the arrest and jailing of leading opposition figure Navalny. Russia humiliated the European Union on Friday by announcing the expulsions during a rare meeting in Moscow between EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. European governments strongly condemned the shock expulsions, with Berlin warning that it would respond in kind. Moscow's decision to expel the three diplomats "was in no way justified", the German foreign ministry said Monday, adding that the German staff member had been doing his job of "observing developments in Russia by lawful means". Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde said Stockholm had "informed the Russian ambassador that a person from the Russian embassy is asked to leave Sweden". "This is a clear response to the unacceptable decision to expel a Swedish diplomat who was only performing his duties," she wrote on Twitter. The Polish foreign ministry likewise condemned the "groundless expulsion" of a Polish diplomat from Saint Petersburg and said it had declared "persona non grata" a Russian consular official in Poznan, western Poland. The Russian foreign ministry immediately hit back. "Today's decisions by Poland, Germany and Sweden are unfounded, unfriendly and are a continuation of the very series of actions that the West is taking with regard to our country and which we qualify as interference in our internal affairs," spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on state channel Rossiya 1. - 'Reviving relations' - The Kremlin earlier on Monday defended the expulsion of the EU diplomats during Borrell's high-profile visit, and insisted it remained interested in reviving relations with Brussels. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the declaration of the three foreign diplomats as personae non gratae was a "consequence of the actions of some diplomatic missions in Moscow against the backdrop of illegal riots". Peskov added that Moscow did not initiate "the collapse" of the relationship with the EU. "Russia has been and remains interested in reviving relations between Moscow and Brussels," he told reporters. Navalny, a fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin, was arrested upon arrival in Moscow on January 17 after spending several months in Germany recovering from a poisoning attack the West believes was ordered by the Kremlin. He was jailed for nearly three years last week for violating parole conditions while in Germany. Tens of thousands of Russians have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest against Putin's 20-year rule and demand Navalny's release, triggering a fierce police crackdown on demonstrators. Western leaders too have called for Navalny to be freed immediately. Russia has bristled at the international backing for Navalny, accusing Europe and the United States of interfering in its domestic affairs. The EU's Borrell is expected to meet with foreign ministers from the 27 member states on February 22 to discuss fresh sanctions against Moscow that would require a unanimous vote among the EU members.

Germany, Poland, Sweden expel Russian diplomats in tit-for-tat move

The Swedish government has declined to comment on the remarks made by the climate activist, Greta Thunberg, who is a Swedish national. In response to WION's&nbsp;question on tweets by Greta Thunberg on India's farmers' protest, the Swedish foreign ministry said it has "no comments on this matter."

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-comments-by-rihanna-greta-and-others-on-farmers-protests-361028">&nbsp;India slams comments by Rihanna, Greta and others on farmers protests</a>

Being a private citizen, her comments and tweets have no bearing on foreign policy but as an influencer, she has had an impact especially when it comes to the US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a> presidency. Greta has been a climate activist drawing focus on the issue.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-amount-of-hate-threats-will-greta-thunberg-after-delhi-police-books-creators-of-her-toolkit-361400">&nbsp;'No amount of hate, threats will..': Greta Thunberg after Delhi Police books creators of her 'toolkit'</a>

As for the India-Sweden ties, both countries share a good relationship. India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited Sweden in 2018 and became the first Indian PM to visit the country in the last 30 years. During that visit, the first India-Nordic summit was hosted in Stockholm.

Sweden supports India’s membership of the expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC), membership for the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and has backed New Delhi's bid for the nuclear suppliers' group (NSG).

The Swedish government has declined to comment on the remarks made by the climate activist, Greta Thunberg, who is a Swedish national. In response to WION's question on tweets by Greta Thunberg on India's farmers' protest, the Swedish foreign ministry said it has "no comments on this matter.

The Swedish government has declined to comment on the remarks made by the climate activist, Greta Thunberg, who is a Swedish national. In response to WION's question on tweets by Greta Thunberg on India's farmers' protest, the Swedish foreign ministry said it has "no comments on this matter." Also read| India slams comments by Rihanna, Greta and others on farmers protests Being a private citizen, her comments and tweets have no bearing on foreign policy but as an influencer, she has had an impact especially when it comes to the US President Donald Trump's presidency. Greta has been a climate activist drawing focus on the issue. Also read| 'No amount of hate, threats will..': Greta Thunberg after Delhi Police books creators of her 'toolkit' As for the India-Sweden ties, both countries share a good relationship. India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited Sweden in 2018 and became the first Indian PM to visit the country in the last 30 years. During that visit, the first India-Nordic summit was hosted in Stockholm. Sweden supports India’s membership of the expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC), membership for the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and has backed New Delhi's bid for the nuclear suppliers' group (NSG).

No comments, says Sweden on Greta Thunberg's remark on India farmer protests

Black Lives Matter, a movement that received an impetus in May, 2020, has been proposed for the Nobel Peace Prize. Founded in the United States in 2013, the movement became a rallying cry after a Black person George Floyd died at the hands of the US police.

Black Lives Matter movement honoured for peaceful civil disobedience

the black lives matter global movement has won's Sweden's top human rights honor 'Olfo Plame Award' for the year 2020 this award is bestowed in black lives global network foundation. the award committee has said that around 20 million people have taken part in the global movement against systemic racism it is noted that last year's protest was displaced as civil disobedience against police brutality.

The 'Black lives Matters' movement has won's Sweden's top human rights honor

Sweden will ban breeding of mink in 2021 to prevent the risk of mutations of the coronavirus spreading to humans.

The decision comes in the backdrop of neighbour Denmark slaughtering its entire herd of around 17 million mink in November after hundreds of farms suffered outbreaks of coronavirus and authorities found mutated strains of the virus among people.

Denmark has also banned mink breeding until 2022.

Sweden recorded coronavirus cases at several mink farms, although authorities said in December the animals had not been found to carry the mutated strain as evident in Denmark.

"In Sweden, the mutated virus has, luckily, not got into our mink farms," Financial Markets Minister Per Bolund told reporters at a news conference.&nbsp;

"But our mink industry remains a further risk factor that we need to consider when it comes to the fight against corona."

Sweden will ban breeding of mink in 2021 to prevent the risk of mutations of the coronavirus spreading to humans. The decision comes in the backdrop of neighbour Denmark slaughtering its entire herd of around 17 million mink in November after hundreds of farms suffered outbreaks of coronavirus and authorities found mutated strains of the virus among people.

Sweden will ban breeding of mink in 2021 to prevent the risk of mutations of the coronavirus spreading to humans. The decision comes in the backdrop of neighbour Denmark slaughtering its entire herd of around 17 million mink in November after hundreds of farms suffered outbreaks of coronavirus and authorities found mutated strains of the virus among people. Denmark has also banned mink breeding until 2022. Sweden recorded coronavirus cases at several mink farms, although authorities said in December the animals had not been found to carry the mutated strain as evident in Denmark. "In Sweden, the mutated virus has, luckily, not got into our mink farms," Financial Markets Minister Per Bolund told reporters at a news conference. "But our mink industry remains a further risk factor that we need to consider when it comes to the fight against corona."

Sweden to ban mink breeding

Swedish teen environmental activist Greta Thunberg appeared on a postage stamp issued in her native Sweden on Thursday and is part of a series focused on the environment.

Global climate activist Greta Thunberg to feature on postal stamps

Sweden, which has long shunned lockdowns and face mask orders as tools in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, has given its government power to act more forcefully to stem the spread of the disease.

Parliament on Friday passed an emergency law that will allow the government to limit the number of people in shops, businesses and public places, like theaters and public swimming pools, or even order their closure in case of violations. The government will also be able to fine individuals for breaking coronavirus rules.

The new powers go into effect Sunday, freeing the government to do more than make recommendations, as it has thus far. But with the country struggling to battle a second wave of the coronavirus, and with emergency wards filling up to critical capacity, the government said it needed more tools.

As of Saturday, Sweden’s total death toll stood at 9,433. The country now has 93 deaths per 100,000 people, less than Britain, which has 120, but far more than its neighbor Norway, with 9.

“We see a great risk that we will be in a difficult situation for some time ahead,” Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told the SVT network. “Of course, that means the pandemic law will be used. And we will be using it in the near future.”

In a separate decision implemented Thursday, face masks, long deemed ineffective by Swedish health officials, are now being recommended for use during rush hour on public transportation. They are not mandatory.

In April, when much of the rest of the world went into lockdowns, Swedes were able to keep going to bars and restaurants, with the government and health officials saying they didn’t believe in lockdowns. The country’s Public Health Authority issued some coronavirus prevention recommendations, but the government legally wasn’t able to order the sort of blanket stay-at-home measures used in other European countries.

Swedish lawmakers supported the stance, saying they would never force people to adhere to the recommendations. But now that the pandemic is showing no signs of abating, many have changed their positions and have backed the government measures.

Some experts are calling for even stricter measures.

“This law is great but not enough,” said Dr. Fredrik Elgh, a professor of clinical virology at Umea University. “We need a four-week lockdown badly to stop this increase. If we do this now, in two weeks time we will see a decrease.” He added: “I don’t understand why my country is one of few countries that cannot do this seriously.”

Sweden, which has long shunned lockdowns and face mask orders as tools in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, has given its government power to act more forcefully to stem the spread of the disease.

Sweden, which has long shunned lockdowns and face mask orders as tools in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, has given its government power to act more forcefully to stem the spread of the disease. Parliament on Friday passed an emergency law that will allow the government to limit the number of people in shops, businesses and public places, like theaters and public swimming pools, or even order their closure in case of violations. The government will also be able to fine individuals for breaking coronavirus rules. The new powers go into effect Sunday, freeing the government to do more than make recommendations, as it has thus far. But with the country struggling to battle a second wave of the coronavirus, and with emergency wards filling up to critical capacity, the government said it needed more tools. As of Saturday, Sweden’s total death toll stood at 9,433. The country now has 93 deaths per 100,000 people, less than Britain, which has 120, but far more than its neighbor Norway, with 9. “We see a great risk that we will be in a difficult situation for some time ahead,” Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told the SVT network. “Of course, that means the pandemic law will be used. And we will be using it in the near future.” In a separate decision implemented Thursday, face masks, long deemed ineffective by Swedish health officials, are now being recommended for use during rush hour on public transportation. They are not mandatory. In April, when much of the rest of the world went into lockdowns, Swedes were able to keep going to bars and restaurants, with the government and health officials saying they didn’t believe in lockdowns. The country’s Public Health Authority issued some coronavirus prevention recommendations, but the government legally wasn’t able to order the sort of blanket stay-at-home measures used in other European countries. Swedish lawmakers supported the stance, saying they would never force people to adhere to the recommendations. But now that the pandemic is showing no signs of abating, many have changed their positions and have backed the government measures. Some experts are calling for even stricter measures. “This law is great but not enough,” said Dr. Fredrik Elgh, a professor of clinical virology at Umea University. “We need a four-week lockdown badly to stop this increase. If we do this now, in two weeks time we will see a decrease.” He added: “I don’t understand why my country is one of few countries that cannot do this seriously.”

With new law, Sweden gains power to impose coronavirus restrictions

After the new strains of coronavirus have been found in several countries, Sweden's government has issued temporary rules to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.

The new restrictions will bring limitations on the number of people to gather in specific public places, and will drop the old general restrictions&nbsp; on public gatherings. The new rules will be imposed from January 10 after the government approves the final draft.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-chief-claims-vaccine-works-against-new-strain-of-coronavirus-352737">AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus</a>

This new law will also enable the government to temporarily shutdown several businesses, shopping malls, leisure and entertainment venues and public transports. "Those who violate restrictions that limit access to public places can be sentenced to a monetary fine,"&nbsp;Health Minister Lena Hallengren said in a press conference.

The new restrictions have come after months of non-coercive methods imposed by the Swedish government. However, with an alarming increase in the coronavirus cases in the country, the local government and the health experts decided to impose stricter guidelines.

Decision of shutting down establishments has also been taken to make sure the new strain of coronavirus, first found in the United Kingdom, does not spread in Sweden. As of now, several countries such as Italy, UK, South Africa, Canada and a few more have reported new variants of the novel coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-launches-mass-covid-19-vaccination-drive-352837">WATCH|</a>

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As of now, all public and private gatherings are allowed to have a maximum of eight members only. The government also urged citizens to maintain social distance and wear face masks while stepping out. This is the first time such an order has been issued as the government always believed the COVID-19 measures should be "a marathon, not a sprint".

Till December 23, Swede has reported nearly 396,048 coronavirus cases with almost 8,279 deaths.

The announcement has also come at a time when the European Union countries have started mass vaccination drive from Sunday after the EU regulatory body approved emergency usage of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.

After the new strains of coronavirus have been found in several countries, Sweden's government has issued temporary rules to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.

After the new strains of coronavirus have been found in several countries, Sweden's government has issued temporary rules to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country. The new restrictions will bring limitations on the number of people to gather in specific public places, and will drop the old general restrictions on public gatherings. The new rules will be imposed from January 10 after the government approves the final draft. Also read| AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus This new law will also enable the government to temporarily shutdown several businesses, shopping malls, leisure and entertainment venues and public transports. "Those who violate restrictions that limit access to public places can be sentenced to a monetary fine," Health Minister Lena Hallengren said in a press conference. The new restrictions have come after months of non-coercive methods imposed by the Swedish government. However, with an alarming increase in the coronavirus cases in the country, the local government and the health experts decided to impose stricter guidelines. Decision of shutting down establishments has also been taken to make sure the new strain of coronavirus, first found in the United Kingdom, does not spread in Sweden. As of now, several countries such as Italy, UK, South Africa, Canada and a few more have reported new variants of the novel coronavirus. WATCH| × As of now, all public and private gatherings are allowed to have a maximum of eight members only. The government also urged citizens to maintain social distance and wear face masks while stepping out. This is the first time such an order has been issued as the government always believed the COVID-19 measures should be "a marathon, not a sprint". Till December 23, Swede has reported nearly 396,048 coronavirus cases with almost 8,279 deaths. The announcement has also come at a time when the European Union countries have started mass vaccination drive from Sunday after the EU regulatory body approved emergency usage of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.

Sweden imposes stricter COVID-19 regulations amid fear of new variant

After the new strains of coronavirus have been found in several countries, Sweden's government has issued temporary rules to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.

The new restrictions will bring limitations on the number of people to gather in specific public places, and will drop the old general restrictions&nbsp; on public gatherings. The new rules will be imposed from January 10 after the government approves the final draft.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-chief-claims-vaccine-works-against-new-strain-of-coronavirus-352737">AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus</a>

This new law will also enable the government to temporarily shutdown several businesses, shopping malls, leisure and entertainment venues and public transports. "Those who violate restrictions that limit access to public places can be sentenced to a monetary fine,"&nbsp;Health Minister Lena Hallengren said in a press conference.

The new restrictions have come after months of non-coercive methods imposed by the Swedish government. However, with an alarming increase in the coronavirus cases in the country, the local government and the health experts decided to impose stricter guidelines.

Decision of shutting down establishments has also been taken to make sure the new strain of coronavirus, first found in the United Kingdom, does not spread in Sweden. As of now, several countries such as Italy, UK, South Africa, Canada and a few more have reported new variants of the novel coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-launches-mass-covid-19-vaccination-drive-352837">WATCH|</a>

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As of now, all public and private gatherings are allowed to have a maximum of eight members only. The government also urged citizens to maintain social distance and wear face masks while stepping out. This is the first time such an order has been issued as the government always believed the COVID-19 measures should be "a marathon, not a sprint".

Till December 23, Swede has reported nearly 396,048 coronavirus cases with almost 8,279 deaths.

The announcement has also come at a time when the European Un ion countries have started mass vaccination drive from Sunday after the EU regulatory body approved emergency usage of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.

After the new strains of coronavirus have been found in several countries, Sweden's government has issued temporary rules to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country. The new restrictions will bring limitations on the number of people to gather in specific public places, and will drop the old general restrictions on public gatherings. The new rules will be imposed from January 10 after the government approves the final draft. Also read| AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus This new law will also enable the government to temporarily shutdown several businesses, shopping malls, leisure and entertainment venues and public transports. "Those who violate restrictions that limit access to public places can be sentenced to a monetary fine," Health Minister Lena Hallengren said in a press conference. The new restrictions have come after months of non-coercive methods imposed by the Swedish government. However, with an alarming increase in the coronavirus cases in the country, the local government and the health experts decided to impose stricter guidelines. Decision of shutting down establishments has also been taken to make sure the new strain of coronavirus, first found in the United Kingdom, does not spread in Sweden. As of now, several countries such as Italy, UK, South Africa, Canada and a few more have reported new variants of the novel coronavirus. WATCH| × As of now, all public and private gatherings are allowed to have a maximum of eight members only. The government also urged citizens to maintain social distance and wear face masks while stepping out. This is the first time such an order has been issued as the government always believed the COVID-19 measures should be "a marathon, not a sprint". Till December 23, Swede has reported nearly 396,048 coronavirus cases with almost 8,279 deaths. The announcement has also come at a time when the European Un ion countries have started mass vaccination drive from Sunday after the EU regulatory body approved emergency usage of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.

Sweden's King criticised his country's handling of COVID-19 pandemic and lashed out at the pandemic policy saying 'we have failed'. There is a high death toll among the elderly citizens in Sweden.

Carl XVI Gustaf, whose son and daughter-in-law tested positive last month, used an annual royal Christmas TV special to highlight the growing impact of the virus, in a rare intervention from a monarch whose duties are largely ceremonial.

"I believe we have failed," the king said in an excerpt from the programme broadcast by SVT on Wednesday. The full show airs on Dec. 21.

"We have had a large number of deaths and that is terrible. That is something that brings us all suffering."

An official commission blamed high death tolls in nursing homes on systemic shortcomings in elderly care coupled with inadequate measures from the government and agencies &nbsp;

Sweden has registered more than 7,800 deaths, a much higher per capita rate than its Nordic neighbours but lower than in Britain, Italy, Spain or France, which have all opted for lockdowns.

The 74-year-old king has no formal political power and rarely comments on current and political issues, though he has addressed the nation to offer encouragement during the outbreak.

In the spring, the government's response to the pandemic was widely supported by Swedes who carried on much as normal while most of Europe entered lockdown.

But the rising death toll - particularly among elderly residents of care homes - has drawn increasing criticism.

(With Reuters inputs)

Sweden's King criticised his country's handling of COVID-19 pandemic and lashed out at the pandemic policy saying 'we have failed'. There is a high death toll among the elderly citizens in Sweden.

Sweden's King criticised his country's handling of COVID-19 pandemic and lashed out at the pandemic policy saying 'we have failed'. There is a high death toll among the elderly citizens in Sweden. Carl XVI Gustaf, whose son and daughter-in-law tested positive last month, used an annual royal Christmas TV special to highlight the growing impact of the virus, in a rare intervention from a monarch whose duties are largely ceremonial. "I believe we have failed," the king said in an excerpt from the programme broadcast by SVT on Wednesday. The full show airs on Dec. 21. "We have had a large number of deaths and that is terrible. That is something that brings us all suffering." An official commission blamed high death tolls in nursing homes on systemic shortcomings in elderly care coupled with inadequate measures from the government and agencies Sweden has registered more than 7,800 deaths, a much higher per capita rate than its Nordic neighbours but lower than in Britain, Italy, Spain or France, which have all opted for lockdowns. The 74-year-old king has no formal political power and rarely comments on current and political issues, though he has addressed the nation to offer encouragement during the outbreak. In the spring, the government's response to the pandemic was widely supported by Swedes who carried on much as normal while most of Europe entered lockdown. But the rising death toll - particularly among elderly residents of care homes - has drawn increasing criticism. (With Reuters inputs)

'We have failed' over COVID-19, says Sweden's King as deaths mount

Sweden's prosecutor on Wednesday said that they had charged a player over match-fixing in country's top football league.

The Prosecution Authority has not named the player. However, they revealed that he committed the crime while he played for IF Elfsborg, a club in Sweden's top league Allsvenskan.

The case is based on a game that was played in May 2019 when the player was handed a yellow card.

"Shortly after the game, the player was given a loan for a large sum of money from people who had placed a bet on him receiving a warning in that game," prosecutor Staffan Edlund said in a statement.

The player is no more a part of the club and was charged with taking a bribe and two other people were charged with paying a bribe, and both were charged with breaking Sweden's gambling law.

The Prosecution Authority also said it was charging a player in one of the country's lower leagues over taking bribes for six games that the player's team had lost.

Sweden's prosecutor on Wednesday said that they had charged a player over match-fixing in country's top football league. The Prosecution Authority has not named the player.

Sweden's prosecutor on Wednesday said that they had charged a player over match-fixing in country's top football league. The Prosecution Authority has not named the player. However, they revealed that he committed the crime while he played for IF Elfsborg, a club in Sweden's top league Allsvenskan. The case is based on a game that was played in May 2019 when the player was handed a yellow card. "Shortly after the game, the player was given a loan for a large sum of money from people who had placed a bet on him receiving a warning in that game," prosecutor Staffan Edlund said in a statement. The player is no more a part of the club and was charged with taking a bribe and two other people were charged with paying a bribe, and both were charged with breaking Sweden's gambling law. The Prosecution Authority also said it was charging a player in one of the country's lower leagues over taking bribes for six games that the player's team had lost.

Swedish prosecutors charge player with match fixing

The world is desperately waiting for the Corona vaccine, but citizens in Sweden are extremely sceptical. The reason is the bitter experience of the last mass vaccination drive. WION brings you a report.

Survey: 56% Swedes unsure about Corona vaccine

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