The prosecution in Sweden has decided to drop the preliminary investigation into the burning of the Quran, arguing that burning of the holy book is "not illegal".&nbsp;

The case is related to a protest on the streets of Malmo where far-right demonstrators burned a copy of the Quran in late August.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-sweden-must-lead-by-example-on-how-to-uphold-the-interest-of-all-groups-324365">Norway &amp; Sweden must lead by example on how to uphold the interest of all groups</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Over 300 people participated in the protest where they threw stones at the police and also burnt tyres.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/riot-breaks-out-in-southern-sweden-after-anti-islam-actions-323819">Riot breaks out in southern Sweden after 'anti-Islam' actions</a>

"It is not possible to prove that a crime has been committed, burning a Quran in itself is not illegal", said chamber prosecutor Sofia Syrén to national broadcaster SVT, as quoted by Sputnik News.&nbsp;

She added that they went through evidence from the scene of the protest, including witness accounts and videos.&nbsp;

Several people from Swedish media and most politicians condemned the incident, but the prosecution did not find any legal ground against the accused.&nbsp;

"We have looked at what is happening around, how the person expresses themselves, and so on", said Syrén.&nbsp;

"From the material, it appears that there were people who expressed themselves in a way that may be judged as incitement against ethnic groups, but these cannot be identified."

The prosecution in Sweden has decided to drop the preliminary investigation into the burning of the Quran, arguing that burning of the holy book is "not illegal".

The prosecution in Sweden has decided to drop the preliminary investigation into the burning of the Quran, arguing that burning of the holy book is "not illegal". The case is related to a protest on the streets of Malmo where far-right demonstrators burned a copy of the Quran in late August. Also read | Norway & Sweden must lead by example on how to uphold the interest of all groups Over 300 people participated in the protest where they threw stones at the police and also burnt tyres. Also read | Riot breaks out in southern Sweden after 'anti-Islam' actions "It is not possible to prove that a crime has been committed, burning a Quran in itself is not illegal", said chamber prosecutor Sofia Syrén to national broadcaster SVT, as quoted by Sputnik News. She added that they went through evidence from the scene of the protest, including witness accounts and videos. Several people from Swedish media and most politicians condemned the incident, but the prosecution did not find any legal ground against the accused. "We have looked at what is happening around, how the person expresses themselves, and so on", said Syrén. "From the material, it appears that there were people who expressed themselves in a way that may be judged as incitement against ethnic groups, but these cannot be identified."

Swedish prosecution says Quran burning not 'illegal', decides not to press charges

China on Wednesday told Sweden to reverse a ban on Chinese tech firms from its 5G network, warning of "negative impacts" if it did not.

The Swedish telecoms regulator issued a ban on Tuesday that would require carriers to remove existing Huawei and ZTE equipment by 2025, citing national security concerns.

Chinese telecoms companies have faced bans and heightened scrutiny in recent months over fears Beijing could use their overseas deals to spy on foreign citizens.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-offers-1-billion-deal-to-brazil-to-sway-it-away-from-chinas-huawei-5g-network-336778">Also read:&nbsp;US offers $1 billion deal to Brazil to sway it away from China's Huawei 5G network</a>

That has provoked a furious response from Beijing, which denies the allegations and says trumped-up security concerns are being used against its successful tech firms to hem them in for commercial reasons.

China's foreign ministry said it was "strongly dissatisfied" with Sweden's decision, accusing the Swedish government of "blatantly suppressing Chinese telecom companies and politicising normal economic cooperation."

Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian urged Sweden to "correct its wrong decision" to avoid a "negative impact on China-Sweden economic and trade cooperation, and on the operations of Swedish companies in China."

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said that the decision had not targeted China.

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"The objective of the legislation is to ensure security here in Sweden... but we have never directed it at any country," he told the Swedish news agency TT.

"It's the authorities who assess what is possible and not possible. And we obviously trust their assessment."

Sweden's decision comes amid pressure from the United States on allies to cut Huawei from their internet infrastructure.

Britain banned mobile providers from using Huawei equipment in new 5G networks in July, while France has placed heavy restrictions on the use of equipment from Huawei.

The ban has raised fears that China could retaliate against Swedish telecoms equipment maker Ericsson, which has 5G contracts with all three major Chinese telecoms operators.

China on Wednesday told Sweden to reverse a ban on Chinese tech firms from its 5G network, warning of "negative impacts" if it did not. The Swedish telecoms regulator issued a ban on Tuesday that would require carriers to remove existing Huawei and ZTE equipment by 2025, citing national security concerns.

China on Wednesday told Sweden to reverse a ban on Chinese tech firms from its 5G network, warning of "negative impacts" if it did not. The Swedish telecoms regulator issued a ban on Tuesday that would require carriers to remove existing Huawei and ZTE equipment by 2025, citing national security concerns. Chinese telecoms companies have faced bans and heightened scrutiny in recent months over fears Beijing could use their overseas deals to spy on foreign citizens. Also read: US offers $1 billion deal to Brazil to sway it away from China's Huawei 5G network That has provoked a furious response from Beijing, which denies the allegations and says trumped-up security concerns are being used against its successful tech firms to hem them in for commercial reasons. China's foreign ministry said it was "strongly dissatisfied" with Sweden's decision, accusing the Swedish government of "blatantly suppressing Chinese telecom companies and politicising normal economic cooperation." Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian urged Sweden to "correct its wrong decision" to avoid a "negative impact on China-Sweden economic and trade cooperation, and on the operations of Swedish companies in China." Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said that the decision had not targeted China. × "The objective of the legislation is to ensure security here in Sweden... but we have never directed it at any country," he told the Swedish news agency TT. "It's the authorities who assess what is possible and not possible. And we obviously trust their assessment." Sweden's decision comes amid pressure from the United States on allies to cut Huawei from their internet infrastructure. Britain banned mobile providers from using Huawei equipment in new 5G networks in July, while France has placed heavy restrictions on the use of equipment from Huawei. The ban has raised fears that China could retaliate against Swedish telecoms equipment maker Ericsson, which has 5G contracts with all three major Chinese telecoms operators.

China warns Swedish firms of tit-for-tat action after Huawei ban

Norway’s tipplers and sweet tooths may no longer feel a need to leave the country to stock up on their favourite vices.

The Nordic country's ruling party has proposed cutting its famously high "sin" taxes on alcohol, cigarettes and sweets and other consumer goods after the coronavirus lockdown showed how much business is lost every year to Norwegians flocking to neighbouring Sweden to snap up such items at cheaper prices.

Restrictions on travel between the Nordic neighbours imposed to contain transmissions of the coronavirus triggered a jump in retail sales, especially in regions bordering Sweden.

Norwegian authorities are keen to keep that trade humming to mitigate the economic downturn inflicted by the pandemic, even after any return to the open borders that have prevailed for almost 70 years of economic integration in the Nordic region.

Norway sealed its borders to all non-residents in mid-March before easing movement from June but imposing a 10-day quarantine on those returning from abroad, a rule that continues to deter traditional shopping runs to Sweden.

"The closure of borders because of the coronavirus created a full-scale experiment in what happens when all trade is moved back to Norway," said Vetle Wang Soleim, a Conservative MP on a party committee that presented the tax cut proposal.

Trade from Norwegians buying goods in Sweden plummeted by 99% in the April-June period compared with the year-ago period, Statistics Norway data showed.

Nationwide, retail sales rose 10% in April-July, and 20% or more in some regions bordering Sweden already in March.

The tax cut initiative has been presented as a way to recapture trade lost to Sweden since the pandemic has shown high "sin levies" were not necessarily deterring Norwegians from indulging in booze, cigarettes and chocolates.

"For us now, the most important priority is to move jobs back to Norway. We just prefer them to buy these goods on the Norwegian side of the border," Wang Soleim told Reuters.

Food in Norway is broadly 35% more expensive than in Sweden, and alcohol prices 67% higher, according to Statistics Norway.

In a scenario where cross-border trade stopped indefinitely, Norway would boost revenues from food, drink and other consumer good sales by at least $1.3 billion, according to an analysis by consultancy Menon Economics.

It would also mean 8,200 new jobs and $410 million more in tax revenue on top of the special levies on alcohol, sugar and tobacco, it said.

Cigarettes, soda fly off the racks

In Sarpsborg, an industrial town in Norway's southeast 30 km (19 miles) from the Swedish frontier, staff at the Kiwi supermarket have been scrambling to cope with surging footfall, with sales rocketing by 85% in April-August.

"We are selling much more of everything now - especially minced meat, an extreme amount of soda, cigarettes and snuff tobacco," said store manager Carina Andresen.

"We have always known there were many people who went to shop in Sweden, but not that it was so many, and for so much."

In Halden, a town 12 km from the border, sales at the local wine and liquor store tripled during the summer months compared with last year, with vodka priced at 400 crowns ($42) a litre snapped up by more tourists and holiday cabin owners.

"We also sell much more boxed wine. People don't just buy one or two boxes, but four or five at a time," said store manager Anneli Christiansen, who had to hire four more staff at the start of lockdown in March to handle soaring demand.

"So empty" on Swedish side

Towns on the Swedish side of the border, by contrast are starved of trade these days.

Many shopping malls sprang up in recent decades to cater almost exclusively to Norwegians, but now sit nearly empty.

In the municipality of Aarjaeng, trade with Norway supports about a third of jobs, said municipal board chairman Daniel Schuetzer. "It has been so empty in the area. There is a certain resignation - people wonder how they are going to make ends meet when a large part of your market disappears overnight."

Others worry about future ties between two countries that have placed free movement of people and goods at the core of their relationship, well before much of the rest of Europe did.

Georg Andren, governor of Sweden's Vaermland region, said that companies may be less willing to invest there, and, in the longer term, "what is at stake is the social fabric".

The Norwegian Conservatives' proposed tax cut has elicited broad political support, although their coalition ally the Christian Democrats oppose lowering levies on alcohol.

The rightist opposition Progress Party, which generally backs government budgets, has swung behind the proposal in keeping with its view that Norwegians' heavy tax burden should be eased across the board.

Norway’s tipplers and sweet tooths may no longer feel a need to leave the country to stock up on their favourite vices. The Nordic country's ruling party has proposed cutting its famously high "sin" taxes on alcohol, cigarettes and sweets and other consumer goods after the coronavirus lockdown showed how much business is lost every year to Norwegians flocking to neighbouring Sweden to snap up such items at cheaper prices.

Norway’s tipplers and sweet tooths may no longer feel a need to leave the country to stock up on their favourite vices. The Nordic country's ruling party has proposed cutting its famously high "sin" taxes on alcohol, cigarettes and sweets and other consumer goods after the coronavirus lockdown showed how much business is lost every year to Norwegians flocking to neighbouring Sweden to snap up such items at cheaper prices. Restrictions on travel between the Nordic neighbours imposed to contain transmissions of the coronavirus triggered a jump in retail sales, especially in regions bordering Sweden. Norwegian authorities are keen to keep that trade humming to mitigate the economic downturn inflicted by the pandemic, even after any return to the open borders that have prevailed for almost 70 years of economic integration in the Nordic region. Norway sealed its borders to all non-residents in mid-March before easing movement from June but imposing a 10-day quarantine on those returning from abroad, a rule that continues to deter traditional shopping runs to Sweden. "The closure of borders because of the coronavirus created a full-scale experiment in what happens when all trade is moved back to Norway," said Vetle Wang Soleim, a Conservative MP on a party committee that presented the tax cut proposal. Trade from Norwegians buying goods in Sweden plummeted by 99% in the April-June period compared with the year-ago period, Statistics Norway data showed. Nationwide, retail sales rose 10% in April-July, and 20% or more in some regions bordering Sweden already in March. The tax cut initiative has been presented as a way to recapture trade lost to Sweden since the pandemic has shown high "sin levies" were not necessarily deterring Norwegians from indulging in booze, cigarettes and chocolates. "For us now, the most important priority is to move jobs back to Norway. We just prefer them to buy these goods on the Norwegian side of the border," Wang Soleim told Reuters. Food in Norway is broadly 35% more expensive than in Sweden, and alcohol prices 67% higher, according to Statistics Norway. In a scenario where cross-border trade stopped indefinitely, Norway would boost revenues from food, drink and other consumer good sales by at least $1.3 billion, according to an analysis by consultancy Menon Economics. It would also mean 8,200 new jobs and $410 million more in tax revenue on top of the special levies on alcohol, sugar and tobacco, it said. Cigarettes, soda fly off the racks In Sarpsborg, an industrial town in Norway's southeast 30 km (19 miles) from the Swedish frontier, staff at the Kiwi supermarket have been scrambling to cope with surging footfall, with sales rocketing by 85% in April-August. "We are selling much more of everything now - especially minced meat, an extreme amount of soda, cigarettes and snuff tobacco," said store manager Carina Andresen. "We have always known there were many people who went to shop in Sweden, but not that it was so many, and for so much." In Halden, a town 12 km from the border, sales at the local wine and liquor store tripled during the summer months compared with last year, with vodka priced at 400 crowns ($42) a litre snapped up by more tourists and holiday cabin owners. "We also sell much more boxed wine. People don't just buy one or two boxes, but four or five at a time," said store manager Anneli Christiansen, who had to hire four more staff at the start of lockdown in March to handle soaring demand. "So empty" on Swedish side Towns on the Swedish side of the border, by contrast are starved of trade these days. Many shopping malls sprang up in recent decades to cater almost exclusively to Norwegians, but now sit nearly empty. In the municipality of Aarjaeng, trade with Norway supports about a third of jobs, said municipal board chairman Daniel Schuetzer. "It has been so empty in the area. There is a certain resignation - people wonder how they are going to make ends meet when a large part of your market disappears overnight." Others worry about future ties between two countries that have placed free movement of people and goods at the core of their relationship, well before much of the rest of Europe did. Georg Andren, governor of Sweden's Vaermland region, said that companies may be less willing to invest there, and, in the longer term, "what is at stake is the social fabric". The Norwegian Conservatives' proposed tax cut has elicited broad political support, although their coalition ally the Christian Democrats oppose lowering levies on alcohol. The rightist opposition Progress Party, which generally backs government budgets, has swung behind the proposal in keeping with its view that Norwegians' heavy tax burden should be eased across the board.

Norway to stop 'sin tax' on alcohol, sodas due to travel restrictions amid pandemic

Sweden's state-owned space agency has forbidden China from using its satellite stations.

Gravitas: China stands isolated in global space race

Sweden's centre-left government will boost funding for elderly care by around $500 million in its 2021 budget after the number of deaths in old people's homes during the coronavirus pandemic sparked widespread concern.

The government has said it will boost spending by more than 100 billion Swedish crowns ($11.45 billion) in the budget to be published on Sept. 21 as it seeks to restart the economy and plug holes in the welfare system exposed by the pandemic.

"Our goal must be to build the world's best system of elderly care, and this spring and the coronavirus have showed that we need to speed up this work," Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told reporters on Monday.

Sweden's death toll from the coronavirus pandemic has been much larger than its Nordic neighbours, though less than countries like Britain and Spain. Most of those deaths have been among the elderly, including many residents in care homes.

Around 5,800 Swedes have died compared with around 340 people in Finland, which has about half the population of its bigger neighbour, and Lofven's minority government has faced widespread criticism for failing to protect vulnerable citizens.

Lofven said budget, negotiated with two small centre-right parties which nominally sit in opposition, would prioritise welfare, fighting climate change and building up the criminal justice system, amid worries about violent crime.

"The budget has a clear direction -- it will make it possible for everyone in our country to contribute and work Sweden out of this crisis," Lofven said.

In addition to the 9.7 billion crowns for elderly care, local authorities will get an extra 10 billion crowns ($1.14 billion) in grants from the central government, with an additional 5 billion crowns coming in 2022.

Sweden's centre-left government will boost funding for elderly care by around $500 million in its 2021 budget after the number of deaths in old people's homes during the coronavirus pandemic sparked widespread concern.

Sweden's centre-left government will boost funding for elderly care by around $500 million in its 2021 budget after the number of deaths in old people's homes during the coronavirus pandemic sparked widespread concern. The government has said it will boost spending by more than 100 billion Swedish crowns ($11.45 billion) in the budget to be published on Sept. 21 as it seeks to restart the economy and plug holes in the welfare system exposed by the pandemic. "Our goal must be to build the world's best system of elderly care, and this spring and the coronavirus have showed that we need to speed up this work," Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told reporters on Monday. Sweden's death toll from the coronavirus pandemic has been much larger than its Nordic neighbours, though less than countries like Britain and Spain. Most of those deaths have been among the elderly, including many residents in care homes. Around 5,800 Swedes have died compared with around 340 people in Finland, which has about half the population of its bigger neighbour, and Lofven's minority government has faced widespread criticism for failing to protect vulnerable citizens. Lofven said budget, negotiated with two small centre-right parties which nominally sit in opposition, would prioritise welfare, fighting climate change and building up the criminal justice system, amid worries about violent crime. "The budget has a clear direction -- it will make it possible for everyone in our country to contribute and work Sweden out of this crisis," Lofven said. In addition to the 9.7 billion crowns for elderly care, local authorities will get an extra 10 billion crowns ($1.14 billion) in grants from the central government, with an additional 5 billion crowns coming in 2022.

Swedish government promises cash for elderly care after COVID-19 deaths

Norway &amp; Sweden — almost always make it to the top 10 — of the global happiness index. But some recent events — paint a completely different picture of these lands.

Two cities in these two nations witnessed violent protests. Malmo — the third-largest city in Sweden and Oslo — the capital of Norway.

Both saw violent demonstrations over the weekend.

Clashes broke out at an anti-Islam rally, organised by the group Stop Islamisation of Norway (SIAN), in capital Oslo on Saturday. 
 
The rally took place near the parliament building and was ended earlier than scheduled owing to the protests.

And at least 10 people were arrested in southern Sweden and several police officers were injured in the violence which broke out after an anti-Muslim Danish politician was blocked from attending a Quran-burning rally, police said Saturday.

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Protesters threw stones at police and burned tyres on the streets of Malmo late Friday, with violence escalating as the evening wore on, according to police and local media.

The demonstration of about 300 people was connected to an incident earlier in the day in which protesters burned a copy of the Islamic holy book, police spokesman Rickard Lundqvist told Swedish tabloid Expression.

The ones who are protesting, they do not want to adapt to norms that are alien to them.They don't want neighbourhoods that have increasingly become 'Islamicized'.

They link the surge of immigrants to an increase in violent crimes. They are angry with their respective governments. Some have banded together to patrol the streets and protect their neighbourhoods.

Some others have formed vigilante groups and resort to violence to get noticed. This cultural conflict has played out time and again in several different parts of the world.

&nbsp;Sweden and Norway — are just the latest victims. They've long sat in judgment of others on how violent protests are dealt with.

Now they must lead by example on how to uphold the interest of all groups. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Norway & Sweden — almost always make it to the top 10 — of the global happiness index. But some recent events — paint a completely different picture of these lands.

Norway & Sweden — almost always make it to the top 10 — of the global happiness index. But some recent events — paint a completely different picture of these lands. Two cities in these two nations witnessed violent protests. Malmo — the third-largest city in Sweden and Oslo — the capital of Norway. Both saw violent demonstrations over the weekend. Clashes broke out at an anti-Islam rally, organised by the group Stop Islamisation of Norway (SIAN), in capital Oslo on Saturday. The rally took place near the parliament building and was ended earlier than scheduled owing to the protests. And at least 10 people were arrested in southern Sweden and several police officers were injured in the violence which broke out after an anti-Muslim Danish politician was blocked from attending a Quran-burning rally, police said Saturday. × Protesters threw stones at police and burned tyres on the streets of Malmo late Friday, with violence escalating as the evening wore on, according to police and local media. The demonstration of about 300 people was connected to an incident earlier in the day in which protesters burned a copy of the Islamic holy book, police spokesman Rickard Lundqvist told Swedish tabloid Expression. The ones who are protesting, they do not want to adapt to norms that are alien to them.They don't want neighbourhoods that have increasingly become 'Islamicized'. They link the surge of immigrants to an increase in violent crimes. They are angry with their respective governments. Some have banded together to patrol the streets and protect their neighbourhoods. Some others have formed vigilante groups and resort to violence to get noticed. This cultural conflict has played out time and again in several different parts of the world. Sweden and Norway — are just the latest victims. They've long sat in judgment of others on how violent protests are dealt with. Now they must lead by example on how to uphold the interest of all groups. (With inputs from agencies)

Norway & Sweden must lead by example on how to uphold the interest of all groups

Some 300 people gathered along the main thoroughfare in Malmo to protest after members of a far-right political party staged a burning Quran. As the crowds increased, fires broke out in the street and several cars were set on fire.

Sweden Riots: Hundreds protest against anti-Islamic activities

Protesters threw stones at police and burned tyres in southern Swedish town of Malmo late on Friday, hours after an anti-Muslim Danish politician was blocked from attending a Koran-burning rally nearby.

At least 300 people had gathered to protest against anti-Islam activities.

The demonstration was connected to an incident earlier in the day in which protesters burned a copy of the Islamic holy book, police spokesman Rickard Lundqvist told Swedish tabloid Expressen.

Rasmus Paludan, who leads the far-right Danish anti-immigration party Hard Line, was due to travel to Malmo to speak at that event, which was being held on the same day as weekly prayers for the Muslim sabbath.

But authorities pre-empted Paludan's arrival by announcing he had been banned from entering Sweden for two years. He was later arrested near Malmo.

The demonstrations had escalated in the same place where the Quran had been burned.

Daily Aftonbladet said several anti-Islam activities had taken place in Malmo on Friday, including three men kicking a copy of the Quran between them in a public square.

Paludan last year attracted media attention for burning a Koran wrapped in bacon -- a meat that is anathema for Muslims.

Protesters threw stones at police and burned tyres in southern Swedish town of Malmo late on Friday, hours after an anti-Muslim Danish politician was blocked from attending a Koran-burning rally nearby.

Protesters threw stones at police and burned tyres in southern Swedish town of Malmo late on Friday, hours after an anti-Muslim Danish politician was blocked from attending a Koran-burning rally nearby. At least 300 people had gathered to protest against anti-Islam activities. The demonstration was connected to an incident earlier in the day in which protesters burned a copy of the Islamic holy book, police spokesman Rickard Lundqvist told Swedish tabloid Expressen. Rasmus Paludan, who leads the far-right Danish anti-immigration party Hard Line, was due to travel to Malmo to speak at that event, which was being held on the same day as weekly prayers for the Muslim sabbath. But authorities pre-empted Paludan's arrival by announcing he had been banned from entering Sweden for two years. He was later arrested near Malmo. The demonstrations had escalated in the same place where the Quran had been burned. Daily Aftonbladet said several anti-Islam activities had taken place in Malmo on Friday, including three men kicking a copy of the Quran between them in a public square. Paludan last year attracted media attention for burning a Koran wrapped in bacon -- a meat that is anathema for Muslims.

Riot breaks out in southern Sweden after 'anti-Islam' actions

Sweden has recorded its highest death toll in the last 150 years. Data shows that between January and June this year more than 51,000 people have lost their lives.

Sweden's herd immunity plan goes wrong? 690% jump in deaths from 2019 to 2020

Sweden, in the first half of 2020, broke a grim record of highest deaths in 150 years, according to the official statistics record. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As many as 51,405 deaths were registered in Sweden in between January and June this year, highest since 1869 when the country was hit by famine.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/supply-nationalism-exacerbated-the-pandemic-many-countries-still-do-not-have-enough-who-chief-tedros-321964">Supply nationalism exacerbated the pandemic, many countries still do not have enough: WHO chief Tedros</a>

The country was severely criticised to not enforce a lockdown when coronavirus pandemic ravaged Europe, which led to a sharp rise in coronavirus cases.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-cases-of-covid-19-reach-2114-million-death-toll-tops-780000-321636">Global cases of COVID-19 reach 21.14 million, death toll tops 780,000</a>

Sweden's coronavirus death toll stands at 5,802.&nbsp;

A lot of COVID-19 deaths in Sweden took place in care homes, and Sweden's chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell acknowledged in June that the country's health authority "didn't know that there would be such a big potential for the disease to spread in elderly care homes, with so many deaths," reported CNN.&nbsp;

"There are things that we could have done better but in general I think that Sweden has chosen the right way," he had said to Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter:

With an increase of 6,860, the country also saw the lowest population increase since 2005 that was less than half of what was recorded the last year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sweden, in the first half of 2020, broke a grim record of highest deaths in 150 years, according to the official statistics record. As many as 51,405 deaths were registered in Sweden in between January and June this year, highest since 1869 when the country was hit by famine.

Sweden, in the first half of 2020, broke a grim record of highest deaths in 150 years, according to the official statistics record. As many as 51,405 deaths were registered in Sweden in between January and June this year, highest since 1869 when the country was hit by famine. Also read | Supply nationalism exacerbated the pandemic, many countries still do not have enough: WHO chief Tedros The country was severely criticised to not enforce a lockdown when coronavirus pandemic ravaged Europe, which led to a sharp rise in coronavirus cases. Also read | Global cases of COVID-19 reach 21.14 million, death toll tops 780,000 Sweden's coronavirus death toll stands at 5,802. A lot of COVID-19 deaths in Sweden took place in care homes, and Sweden's chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell acknowledged in June that the country's health authority "didn't know that there would be such a big potential for the disease to spread in elderly care homes, with so many deaths," reported CNN. "There are things that we could have done better but in general I think that Sweden has chosen the right way," he had said to Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter: With an increase of 6,860, the country also saw the lowest population increase since 2005 that was less than half of what was recorded the last year.

Sweden records highest deaths in 150 years in first-half of 2020

At a time when even US President Donald Trump has started wearing masks and encouraging others too to use them, face covers are definitely not preferable in Nordic countries.&nbsp;

Be it Stockholm, Copenhagen, Reykjavik Oslo, and Helsinki, face masks are hardly seen in buses or supermarkets and only a small minority of people, who are by and large tourists are donning it.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-says-people-infected-with-covid-19-should-do-contact-tracing-themselves-314817">Sweden says people infected with COVID-19 should do contact tracing themselves</a>

A recent survey by YouGov revealed only five to 10 per cent of people in the Nordic nations said they wore a mask in outdoors, a figure that has remained stable since the beginning of the crisis in March, reported news agency AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-suspends-virus-tracing-app-following-privacy-concerns-306215">Norway suspends virus-tracing app following privacy concerns</a>

During the same period, there was a 70-80 per cent rise in most of the other 20 countries that were polled, including India and the US.&nbsp;

Camille Fornaroli, a 21-year-old French student who was shocked to see the rare use of masks in Stockholm, says "if the government doesn't say clearly 'we advise you to wear a mask'".&nbsp;

Sweden has received a lot of criticism globally over its softer approach to control the spread of the deadly virus, however, on the issues of masks, the Nordic nations stand strongly united.&nbsp;

Birgitta Wedel, a 63-year-old pensioner, wants to use a mask if authorities make it official, at least while boarding public transport, but she added she won't be doing that until there is an official measure.&nbsp;

"If they don't... I will not wear it because nobody else does," she said.

KK Cheng, an epidemiologist at the University of Birmingham's Institute of Applied Health Research, adds that there are not many coronavirus cases in these countries, except Sweden, so not making masks mandatory can work if distancing and contract tracing is done properly.

"So I don't blame them for not doing it, as long as they have reasonable social distancing and contact tracing is done properly," Cheng said.&nbsp;

However, on Thursday, Iceland, broke away from its neighbours on this front and announced that masks would become mandatory on domestic flights, public transports, hairdressing salons and ferries.&nbsp;

At a time when even US President Donald Trump has started wearing masks and encouraging others too to use them, face covers are definitely not preferable in Nordic countries.

At a time when even US President Donald Trump has started wearing masks and encouraging others too to use them, face covers are definitely not preferable in Nordic countries. Be it Stockholm, Copenhagen, Reykjavik Oslo, and Helsinki, face masks are hardly seen in buses or supermarkets and only a small minority of people, who are by and large tourists are donning it. Also read | Sweden says people infected with COVID-19 should do contact tracing themselves A recent survey by YouGov revealed only five to 10 per cent of people in the Nordic nations said they wore a mask in outdoors, a figure that has remained stable since the beginning of the crisis in March, reported news agency AFP. Also read | Norway suspends virus-tracing app following privacy concerns During the same period, there was a 70-80 per cent rise in most of the other 20 countries that were polled, including India and the US. Camille Fornaroli, a 21-year-old French student who was shocked to see the rare use of masks in Stockholm, says "if the government doesn't say clearly 'we advise you to wear a mask'". Sweden has received a lot of criticism globally over its softer approach to control the spread of the deadly virus, however, on the issues of masks, the Nordic nations stand strongly united. Birgitta Wedel, a 63-year-old pensioner, wants to use a mask if authorities make it official, at least while boarding public transport, but she added she won't be doing that until there is an official measure. "If they don't... I will not wear it because nobody else does," she said. KK Cheng, an epidemiologist at the University of Birmingham's Institute of Applied Health Research, adds that there are not many coronavirus cases in these countries, except Sweden, so not making masks mandatory can work if distancing and contract tracing is done properly. "So I don't blame them for not doing it, as long as they have reasonable social distancing and contact tracing is done properly," Cheng said. However, on Thursday, Iceland, broke away from its neighbours on this front and announced that masks would become mandatory on domestic flights, public transports, hairdressing salons and ferries.

No masks for Nordic nations day or night to keep coronavirus away

Iran has detained two Swedes over the suspicion of drug trafficking, the country's judiciary said on Tuesday. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili refused to identify the arrested or give any details on when and where they were detained.&nbsp;

"Two Swedish nationals were arrested by the judiciary for trafficking drugs," which were still in their possession, he said.

"We informed their government and embassy about their arrest through the foreign ministry," he said, quoted by the judiciary's Mizan Online website.

According to the spokesman, the detained have been informed that they "can enjoy consular services, meeting privileges and the like".

According to Tasnim news agency's report, two Swedish members of an "international drug gang" had been arrested as part of a "complex operation" at the beginning of July.&nbsp;

"A big part of the large shipment discovered was dangerous industrial narcotics," it said, adding that the network had been dismantled.

(Inputs from AFP)

Iran has detained two Swedes over the suspicion of drug trafficking, the country's judiciary said on Tuesday. Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili refused to identify the arrested or give any details on when and where they were detained.

Iran has detained two Swedes over the suspicion of drug trafficking, the country's judiciary said on Tuesday. Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili refused to identify the arrested or give any details on when and where they were detained. "Two Swedish nationals were arrested by the judiciary for trafficking drugs," which were still in their possession, he said. "We informed their government and embassy about their arrest through the foreign ministry," he said, quoted by the judiciary's Mizan Online website. According to the spokesman, the detained have been informed that they "can enjoy consular services, meeting privileges and the like". According to Tasnim news agency's report, two Swedish members of an "international drug gang" had been arrested as part of a "complex operation" at the beginning of July. "A big part of the large shipment discovered was dangerous industrial narcotics," it said, adding that the network had been dismantled. (Inputs from AFP)

Iran arrests two Swedes on suspicion of drug trafficking

The Nobel Prize Banquet has been cancelled for the first time since 1956 due to coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-welcomes-tourists-100-days-after-lifting-coronavirus-induced-lockdown-315171" hreflang="en">Wuhan welcomes tourists 100 days after lifting coronavirus-induced lockdown</a>

The event hosts around 1,300 guests including the Swedish royal family and traditionally marks the conclusion of the Nobel Week. The banquet hosts winners of the coveted prize are invited to the Swedish capital Stockholm for talks and the award ceremony.

This year's Nobel Prize winners will be announced, however, the event that is usually held on December 10 will not take place.

Last time the event was called off in 1956 in a protest against Soviet Union's invasion in Hungary.&nbsp;

The ceremony has also cancelled during World War One and Two.&nbsp;

These coveted prizes have been given to people with achievements in fields such as science, literature and peace since 1901 under the will of Swedish dynamite inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel.&nbsp;

Nobel Foundation Chairman Lars Heikensten is an interview with Dagens Nyheter, the Swedish newspaper said: “There are two problems. You cannot gather that many people next to each other. And it is uncertain whether people can travel to Sweden to the extent they want.”

In a first, all announcements will be streamed live on nobelprize.org this year.

The Nobel Prize Banquet has been cancelled for the first time since 1956 due to coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Wuhan welcomes tourists 100 days after lifting coronavirus-induced lockdown The event hosts around 1,300 guests including the Swedish royal family and traditionally marks the conclusion of the Nobel Week.

The Nobel Prize Banquet has been cancelled for the first time since 1956 due to coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Wuhan welcomes tourists 100 days after lifting coronavirus-induced lockdown The event hosts around 1,300 guests including the Swedish royal family and traditionally marks the conclusion of the Nobel Week. The banquet hosts winners of the coveted prize are invited to the Swedish capital Stockholm for talks and the award ceremony. This year's Nobel Prize winners will be announced, however, the event that is usually held on December 10 will not take place. Last time the event was called off in 1956 in a protest against Soviet Union's invasion in Hungary. The ceremony has also cancelled during World War One and Two. These coveted prizes have been given to people with achievements in fields such as science, literature and peace since 1901 under the will of Swedish dynamite inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel. Nobel Foundation Chairman Lars Heikensten is an interview with Dagens Nyheter, the Swedish newspaper said: “There are two problems. You cannot gather that many people next to each other. And it is uncertain whether people can travel to Sweden to the extent they want.” In a first, all announcements will be streamed live on nobelprize.org this year.

Nobel Prize banquet cancelled for first time since 1956 due to COVID-19

Environment friendly: Sweden's ReTuna Mall is world's first second-hand mall

The COVID-19 death toll in Sweden has exceeded 5,000, according to statistics from the Swedish Public Health Agency on Wednesday.

Sweden's COVID-19 death toll exceeds 5,000

Stig Engstrom, a graphic designer, was the man who shot dead Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme in 1986, prosecutor Krister Petersson said on Wednesday, closing the case that has haunted Sweden for decades.&nbsp;

"The person is Stig Engstrom," Petersson told a news conference. "Because the person is dead, I cannot bring charges against him and have decided to close the investigation."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/sweden-urges-its-demonstrating-citizens-to-take-it-on-internet-rather-than-coming-out-on-streets-303269" hreflang="en">Sweden urges its demonstrating citizens to take it on internet rather than coming out on streets</a>

Palme was shot dead in central Stockholm in 1986 after a visit to the cinema with his wife and son. The murder sparked a massive manhunt and a plethora of conspiracy theories involving shadowy forces ranging from the CIA and Kurdish separatists to the South African security services.

While a petty criminal was convicted of Palme's killing, the judgement was later overturned and the police's failure to identify the culprit has left a scar on the psyche of a country that still prides itself on how safe it is to walk its streets.

Palme was prime minister between 1969 and 1976 and between 1982 and 1986. Some hail him as the architect of modern Sweden, while conservatives hated his anti-colonial views and criticism of the United States.

Stig Engstrom, a graphic designer, was the man who shot dead Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme in 1986, prosecutor Krister Petersson said on Wednesday, closing the case that has haunted Sweden for decades.

Stig Engstrom, a graphic designer, was the man who shot dead Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme in 1986, prosecutor Krister Petersson said on Wednesday, closing the case that has haunted Sweden for decades. "The person is Stig Engstrom," Petersson told a news conference. "Because the person is dead, I cannot bring charges against him and have decided to close the investigation." Also read: Sweden urges its demonstrating citizens to take it on internet rather than coming out on streets Palme was shot dead in central Stockholm in 1986 after a visit to the cinema with his wife and son. The murder sparked a massive manhunt and a plethora of conspiracy theories involving shadowy forces ranging from the CIA and Kurdish separatists to the South African security services. While a petty criminal was convicted of Palme's killing, the judgement was later overturned and the police's failure to identify the culprit has left a scar on the psyche of a country that still prides itself on how safe it is to walk its streets. Palme was prime minister between 1969 and 1976 and between 1982 and 1986. Some hail him as the architect of modern Sweden, while conservatives hated his anti-colonial views and criticism of the United States.

Swedish prosecutor names killer of PM Palme, closes 34-year case

Throughout the pandemic, Sweden has adopted a more lenient approach than many of its European neighbours:

The 'Swedish Model' to contain COVID-19 is a failure?

The Swedish government on Thursday urged its citizens protesting on the streets to take it out on the internet rather than stepping out and violating coronavirus restrictions.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, demonstrators with signs like "Black Lives Matter" gathered at a Stockholm square for several hours to protest against racism and American police force for the murder of George Floyd.&nbsp;

COVID-hit Sweden has banned public gatherings of more than 50 people. Despite overcoming the peak in April, health resources in the country are still strained.&nbsp;

Sweden's Home Affairs Minister Mikael Damberg said that demonstration is a democratic right of the citizens but due to the pandemic, guidelines set by health agency must be respected. In a letter written to Reuters, he said: "I would urge anyone who wants to protest against racism to use digital media instead. Otherwise, many people risk getting sick and dying."

Sweden has seen over 4,500 casualties due to the coronavirus pandemic which is way more than any neighbouring Nordic countries.&nbsp;

The protests intensified in the United States, which are held over the killing of a black man by a cop who held him on the ground with his knee on the handcuffed man.&nbsp;

There were clashes between police and protesters, arson, looting, and firing of tear gas.

The Swedish government on Thursday urged its citizens protesting on the streets to take it out on the internet rather than stepping out and violating coronavirus restrictions.

The Swedish government on Thursday urged its citizens protesting on the streets to take it out on the internet rather than stepping out and violating coronavirus restrictions. On Wednesday, demonstrators with signs like "Black Lives Matter" gathered at a Stockholm square for several hours to protest against racism and American police force for the murder of George Floyd. COVID-hit Sweden has banned public gatherings of more than 50 people. Despite overcoming the peak in April, health resources in the country are still strained. Sweden's Home Affairs Minister Mikael Damberg said that demonstration is a democratic right of the citizens but due to the pandemic, guidelines set by health agency must be respected. In a letter written to Reuters, he said: "I would urge anyone who wants to protest against racism to use digital media instead. Otherwise, many people risk getting sick and dying." Sweden has seen over 4,500 casualties due to the coronavirus pandemic which is way more than any neighbouring Nordic countries. The protests intensified in the United States, which are held over the killing of a black man by a cop who held him on the ground with his knee on the handcuffed man. There were clashes between police and protesters, arson, looting, and firing of tear gas.

Sweden urges its demonstrating citizens to take it on internet rather than coming out on streets

Sweden has not reported any coronavirus related deaths in the past 24 hours. This has happened for the first time since March 13, as per health authorities' statement on Sunday, but the country's&nbsp;weekend figures are typically delayed&nbsp;.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sweden's response to coronavirus has been criticised by some as it is purely based on social distancing and personal hygiene.&nbsp;

Last week, Sweden reported the highest number of coronavirus deaths in Europe per capita over seven days, as per the data.&nbsp;

The pandemic has killed 4,395 people in Sweden.

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide topped six million Sunday, with Brazil registering another record surge in daily infections.

Latin American countries are bracing for difficult weeks ahead as the disease spreads rapidly across the region, even as much of the world exit lockdowns that have wrecked economies and stripped millions of their jobs, according to AFP.

In Brazil -- the epicentre of South America's outbreak with nearly 500,000 confirmed cases, lagging only behind the United States -- disagreement among leaders over lockdown measures has hampered efforts to slow the virus as the number of fatalities in the country nears 30,000.

President Jair Bolsonaro, who fears the economic fallout from stay-at-home measures will be worse than the virus, has berated governors and mayors for imposing what he calls "the tyranny of total quarantine".&nbsp;

As the global death toll from the pandemic surpassed 368,000, US President Donald Trump's decision to permanently cut funding to the World Health Organization has been broadly criticised.

Sweden has not reported any coronavirus related deaths in the past 24 hours. This has happened for the first time since March 13, as per health authorities' statement on Sunday, but the country's weekend figures are typically delayed .

Sweden has not reported any coronavirus related deaths in the past 24 hours. This has happened for the first time since March 13, as per health authorities' statement on Sunday, but the country's weekend figures are typically delayed . Sweden's response to coronavirus has been criticised by some as it is purely based on social distancing and personal hygiene. Last week, Sweden reported the highest number of coronavirus deaths in Europe per capita over seven days, as per the data. The pandemic has killed 4,395 people in Sweden. The number of coronavirus cases worldwide topped six million Sunday, with Brazil registering another record surge in daily infections. Latin American countries are bracing for difficult weeks ahead as the disease spreads rapidly across the region, even as much of the world exit lockdowns that have wrecked economies and stripped millions of their jobs, according to AFP. In Brazil -- the epicentre of South America's outbreak with nearly 500,000 confirmed cases, lagging only behind the United States -- disagreement among leaders over lockdown measures has hampered efforts to slow the virus as the number of fatalities in the country nears 30,000. President Jair Bolsonaro, who fears the economic fallout from stay-at-home measures will be worse than the virus, has berated governors and mayors for imposing what he calls "the tyranny of total quarantine". As the global death toll from the pandemic surpassed 368,000, US President Donald Trump's decision to permanently cut funding to the World Health Organization has been broadly criticised.

Coronavirus: Sweden reports no deaths, but weekend figures typically delayed

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

Sweden: Climate change forces Sami Reindeer herders to adapt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No strict travel restrictions put on the public in Sweden

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