After Swedish police granted permission to burn the Quran outside Stockholm's main mosque as part of a protest, the Islamic world is angry. Turkey's foreign minister criticised Sweden and said the diktat could further complicate Ankara's long-delayed approval of the Nordic nation's application to join NATO.&nbsp;

“I condemn the vile protest in Sweden against our holy book on the first day of the blessed Eid al-Adha,” said&nbsp;Hakan Fidan, the Turkish foreign minister, adding that&nbsp;it was “unacceptable to allow anti-Islam protests in the name of freedom of expression”.

<h2>Turkey holds the cards&nbsp;</h2>

Turkey holds Sweden's fortunes in its hands regarding membership to the security alliance. Stockholm&nbsp;has been seeking a NATO spot since last year.&nbsp;So far, not much progress has been made on the issue as Ankara has refused to ratify Sweden's application.

The two countries have not been on cordial terms for long. In January, Turkey opened up an inquiry after&nbsp;an effigy of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was burnt by Kurdish elements.&nbsp;

WATCH | Unrest in Sweden over Quran burning during Easter weekend

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unrest-in-sweden-over-quran-burning-during-easter-weekend-471760/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Erdogan continues to blast Sweden for providing a safe haven to Kurdish 'terrorists'. The Turkish leader is also cross with the Nordic countries for imposing an arms embargo on Ankara after Turkey's intervention in the Syrian conflict in 2019.

"Until the promises made to our country are kept, we will maintain our principled position. We are closely following whether the promises made by Sweden and Finland are kept or not, and of course, the final decision will be up to our great parliament," Erdogan had said in the country's parliament last year.&nbsp; 
 
Finland, finally, got the approval and joined NATO in April this year.&nbsp;

Notably, Sweden sped up its process to join the nuclear-armed alliance after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, last year.&nbsp;It submitted the official application in May but to become a member, all&nbsp;30 NATO allies need to sign the ratification document. Every country has signed the document, bar Turkey and Hungary.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened in Sweden?&nbsp;</h2>

After police had refused to authorise Quran burning&nbsp;in the capital city, saying the protests had made Sweden a "high priority target" for attacks, the protesters went to the court.&nbsp;

The appeals court ruled that the police were wrong to ban the protest, saying that “the order and security problems" referenced by the police did not have “a sufficiently clear connection to the planned event or its immediate vicinity."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-police-allow-quran-burning-protest-outside-stockholms-main-mosque-609615">Also read |&nbsp;Sweden police allow Quran burning protest outside Stockholm’s main mosque</a>

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson did not outright condemn the removal of the ban and said,&nbsp;“It’s legal, but not appropriate. We live in a time when one should stay calm and think of what’s best for Sweden’s long-term interest."

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

After Swedish police granted permission to burn the Quran outside Stockholm's main mosque as part of a protest, the Islamic world is angry. Turkey's foreign minister criticised Sweden and said the diktat could further complicate Ankara's long-delayed approval of the Nordic nation's application to join NATO.

After Swedish police granted permission to burn the Quran outside Stockholm's main mosque as part of a protest, the Islamic world is angry. Turkey's foreign minister criticised Sweden and said the diktat could further complicate Ankara's long-delayed approval of the Nordic nation's application to join NATO. “I condemn the vile protest in Sweden against our holy book on the first day of the blessed Eid al-Adha,” said Hakan Fidan, the Turkish foreign minister, adding that it was “unacceptable to allow anti-Islam protests in the name of freedom of expression”. Turkey holds the cards Turkey holds Sweden's fortunes in its hands regarding membership to the security alliance. Stockholm has been seeking a NATO spot since last year. So far, not much progress has been made on the issue as Ankara has refused to ratify Sweden's application. The two countries have not been on cordial terms for long. In January, Turkey opened up an inquiry after an effigy of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was burnt by Kurdish elements. WATCH | Unrest in Sweden over Quran burning during Easter weekend Erdogan continues to blast Sweden for providing a safe haven to Kurdish 'terrorists'. The Turkish leader is also cross with the Nordic countries for imposing an arms embargo on Ankara after Turkey's intervention in the Syrian conflict in 2019. "Until the promises made to our country are kept, we will maintain our principled position. We are closely following whether the promises made by Sweden and Finland are kept or not, and of course, the final decision will be up to our great parliament," Erdogan had said in the country's parliament last year. Finland, finally, got the approval and joined NATO in April this year. Notably, Sweden sped up its process to join the nuclear-armed alliance after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, last year. It submitted the official application in May but to become a member, all 30 NATO allies need to sign the ratification document. Every country has signed the document, bar Turkey and Hungary. What happened in Sweden? After police had refused to authorise Quran burning in the capital city, saying the protests had made Sweden a "high priority target" for attacks, the protesters went to the court. The appeals court ruled that the police were wrong to ban the protest, saying that “the order and security problems" referenced by the police did not have “a sufficiently clear connection to the planned event or its immediate vicinity." Also read | Sweden police allow Quran burning protest outside Stockholm’s main mosque Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson did not outright condemn the removal of the ban and said, “It’s legal, but not appropriate. We live in a time when one should stay calm and think of what’s best for Sweden’s long-term interest." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sweden’s NATO bid in jeopardy after allowing Quran burning as Ankara seethes

As Eid-Ul-Adha celebrations are underway world over. Sweden is in the spotlight for allowing protestors to burn the muslim holy book, Quran. Outside the Swedish capital's main mosque on Wednesday. The demonstrations coincided with the first of three-day Eid celebrations. Iraq denounced the move, calling it racist. It could also hurt the former's bid for NATO membership before the bloc’s summit in July. You may recall, that Turkiye has been a roadblock in Sweden's formal induction into the NATO alliance. A NATO member itself, Ankara holds Stockholm accountable for sheltering Kurdish militants allegedly responsible for the 2016 coup.

Quran burning protest in Stockholm puts Sweden's NATO bid in jeopardy

Swedish authorities permitted a protester to burn the holy book of Quran in front of a Mosque. Is this kind of freedom of expression justified? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Sweden permits protester to burn the Quran

As the holiday of Eid al-Adha begins on Wednesday, Sweden police authorities have granted permission for protestors to burn the Muslim Holy Book of the Quran. "Security risks associated with the burning of Holy text were not of the nature that could justify, under current laws, a decision to reject the request," said the Swedish Police.

Clouds loom over Eid celebrations in Sweden as protestors to burn Quran during celebrations

Swedish courts overturn ban to burn Holy Book of Quran

As the holiday of Eid al-Adha begins on Wednesday, Sweden police authorities have granted permission for protestors to burn the Muslim Holy Book of the Quran. Will it complicate Sweden's NATO membership? Let's know more in this interview with Political Analyst and Journalist James Jackson.

Sweden permits Quran burning protests

Swedish police on Wednesday granted permission to burn the holy book Quran as part of a protest outside Stockholm’s main mosque, ahead of the Muslim’s three-day Eid Al-Adha holiday, AFP reported.

Some private individuals had requested the police to allow them to demonstrate even though their earlier requests were blocked.

“I want to protest in front of the large mosque in Stockholm, and I want to express my opinion about the Koran… I will tear up the Koran and burn it," Salwan Momika, 37, wrote in the application, a copy of which was obtained by AFP.

Police said they have called in reinforcements from across the country to maintain order.

The decision comes two weeks after a Swedish appeals court rejected the police ban on Quran burning protests after the burning of the Muslim holy book outside Turkiye’s embassy in January led to weeks of protests and calls for a boycott of Swedish goods and further stalled Sweden’s NATO membership bid.

<h2>Unrest in Sweden over Quran burning during Easter weekend</h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unrest-in-sweden-over-quran-burning-during-easter-weekend-471760/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The police had refused to authorise the Quran burnings in Stockholm saying that the protest had made Sweden "a higher priority target for attacks."

But this was challenged in the appeals court,&nbsp;which in&nbsp;mid-June ruled that the police were wrong to ban the protest, saying that “the order and security problems" referenced by the police did not have “a sufficiently clear connection to the planned event or its immediate vicinity." 
 
If the protest takes place outside the main mosque on the Sodermalm island, it would be the first such&nbsp;act in the public since a Danish-Swedish far-right extremist caused an uproar in Turkey and other Islamic countries by burning a translated copy of the Quran near the Turkish embassy in Stockholm in January.

The January incident had been severely condemned by several Islamic countries, and the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan had ruled out supporting Sweden’s bid to enter the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation citing Stockholm's failure to crack down on Kurdish groups Turkey&nbsp;views as 'terrorists'.

The political leaders in Sweden have criticised the Quran burnings but defended the right to freedom of expression.

The move reflects the country’s growing tilt towards far-right groups and the emergence of neo-Nazi organisations in recent years, of which is the Sweden Democrats&nbsp;— which became the second-largest party in the Swedish parliament following elections last year.

It is also the&nbsp;largest party in the right-wing ruling bloc, although not recognized as a part of the government.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Swedish police on Wednesday granted permission to burn the holy book Quran as part of a protest outside Stockholm’s main mosque, ahead of the Muslim’s three-day Eid Al-Adha holiday, AFP reported.

Swedish police on Wednesday granted permission to burn the holy book Quran as part of a protest outside Stockholm’s main mosque, ahead of the Muslim’s three-day Eid Al-Adha holiday, AFP reported. Some private individuals had requested the police to allow them to demonstrate even though their earlier requests were blocked. “I want to protest in front of the large mosque in Stockholm, and I want to express my opinion about the Koran… I will tear up the Koran and burn it," Salwan Momika, 37, wrote in the application, a copy of which was obtained by AFP. Police said they have called in reinforcements from across the country to maintain order. The decision comes two weeks after a Swedish appeals court rejected the police ban on Quran burning protests after the burning of the Muslim holy book outside Turkiye’s embassy in January led to weeks of protests and calls for a boycott of Swedish goods and further stalled Sweden’s NATO membership bid. Unrest in Sweden over Quran burning during Easter weekend The police had refused to authorise the Quran burnings in Stockholm saying that the protest had made Sweden "a higher priority target for attacks." But this was challenged in the appeals court, which in mid-June ruled that the police were wrong to ban the protest, saying that “the order and security problems" referenced by the police did not have “a sufficiently clear connection to the planned event or its immediate vicinity." If the protest takes place outside the main mosque on the Sodermalm island, it would be the first such act in the public since a Danish-Swedish far-right extremist caused an uproar in Turkey and other Islamic countries by burning a translated copy of the Quran near the Turkish embassy in Stockholm in January. The January incident had been severely condemned by several Islamic countries, and the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan had ruled out supporting Sweden’s bid to enter the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation citing Stockholm's failure to crack down on Kurdish groups Turkey views as 'terrorists'. The political leaders in Sweden have criticised the Quran burnings but defended the right to freedom of expression. The move reflects the country’s growing tilt towards far-right groups and the emergence of neo-Nazi organisations in recent years, of which is the Sweden Democrats — which became the second-largest party in the Swedish parliament following elections last year. It is also the largest party in the right-wing ruling bloc, although not recognized as a part of the government. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sweden police allow Quran burning protest outside Stockholm’s main mosque

At least one person was killed and nine&nbsp;others, including one child, were injured after a roller coaster accident at the Grona Lund amusement park in the Swedish capital city of Stockholm, on Sunday (June 25), as per local media reports and the police. Meanwhile, several witnesses told broadcaster SVT that the ride had partly derailed.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the incident so far?</h2>

The incident took place at an amusement park's Jetline roller coaster. As per reports and images from the scene, several ambulances, fire trucks and a helicopter were seen arriving at Grona Lund park while the police said that the incident is under investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The police have also confirmed that multiple people had been injured due to the accident and they are “emptying the park and we’ve started our investigation,” quoted the news agency Reuters. Meanwhile, 140-year-old amusement park Grona Lund’s website said, “A serious accident has taken place on the Jetline. We are working with the rescue services. The park is closed for now.”&nbsp; 
 
Jan Eriksson, Grona Lund’s chief executive, said, "Today is a day of mourning at Grona Lund, we've had a very serious accident in the roller coaster Jetline, where one person has died and nine people have been injured."&nbsp;

"Something like this should not happen at Grona Lund, and yet it happened," said&nbsp;Eriksson, during a press conference, hours after the accident.&nbsp; 
 
Sweden’s Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand speaking about the incident said it was incomprehensible. “My thoughts are with those that were affected as well as their families and loved ones,” said Liljestrand, as per TT news agency.

The amusement park’s website also said that the steel-tracked Jetline roller coaster reaches a speed of up to 90 kilometres per hour and a height of 30 metres and transports more than a million visitors every year. As per media reports, Jetline has been a part of the amusement park since 1988.&nbsp;

<h2>Eyewitness accounts of the accident</h2>

“There was a lot of screaming. No one knew what was going on,” Cornelia, one of the people in the park on Sunday, who had also been on the roller coaster where the incident occurred, told Sweden’s TV4.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Jenny Lagerstedt, a journalist who was visiting the park with her family, told SVT that she was nearby and heard a metallic noise and noticed that the track structure was shaking at the time of the accident. “My husband saw a roller coaster car with people in it falling to the ground,” Lagerstedt told SVT. She added, “My children were scared.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

-

At least one person was killed and nine others, including one child, were injured after a roller coaster accident at the Grona Lund amusement park in the Swedish capital city of Stockholm, on Sunday (June 25), as per local media reports and the police.

At least one person was killed and nine others, including one child, were injured after a roller coaster accident at the Grona Lund amusement park in the Swedish capital city of Stockholm, on Sunday (June 25), as per local media reports and the police. Meanwhile, several witnesses told broadcaster SVT that the ride had partly derailed. What do we know about the incident so far? The incident took place at an amusement park's Jetline roller coaster. As per reports and images from the scene, several ambulances, fire trucks and a helicopter were seen arriving at Grona Lund park while the police said that the incident is under investigation. The police have also confirmed that multiple people had been injured due to the accident and they are “emptying the park and we’ve started our investigation,” quoted the news agency Reuters. Meanwhile, 140-year-old amusement park Grona Lund’s website said, “A serious accident has taken place on the Jetline. We are working with the rescue services. The park is closed for now.” Jan Eriksson, Grona Lund’s chief executive, said, "Today is a day of mourning at Grona Lund, we've had a very serious accident in the roller coaster Jetline, where one person has died and nine people have been injured." "Something like this should not happen at Grona Lund, and yet it happened," said Eriksson, during a press conference, hours after the accident. Sweden’s Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand speaking about the incident said it was incomprehensible. “My thoughts are with those that were affected as well as their families and loved ones,” said Liljestrand, as per TT news agency. The amusement park’s website also said that the steel-tracked Jetline roller coaster reaches a speed of up to 90 kilometres per hour and a height of 30 metres and transports more than a million visitors every year. As per media reports, Jetline has been a part of the amusement park since 1988. Eyewitness accounts of the accident “There was a lot of screaming. No one knew what was going on,” Cornelia, one of the people in the park on Sunday, who had also been on the roller coaster where the incident occurred, told Sweden’s TV4. Meanwhile, Jenny Lagerstedt, a journalist who was visiting the park with her family, told SVT that she was nearby and heard a metallic noise and noticed that the track structure was shaking at the time of the accident. “My husband saw a roller coaster car with people in it falling to the ground,” Lagerstedt told SVT. She added, “My children were scared.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. -

Sweden: At least one killed, nine injured after roller coaster accident in amusement park

Greta Thunberg and climate activists block entrance to oil port in Sweden’s Malmo.

Greta Thunberg: Climate crisis escalating

As fans from around the world spent money to witness Beyoncé's concert in Stockholm. The 'BeyHives' may have been a factor that caused the country’s inflation rate to stay higher than expected.

Gravitas: Did Beyonce cause inflation in Sweden?

Continuing the rather absurd trend of targeting popular paintings and art pieces, two women climate activists on Wednesday vandalised a Monet painting at&nbsp;Stockholm's National Museum.&nbsp;

The women were arrested but not before they smeared red paint over the painting and glued themselves to the protective glass. The museum's press office confirmed the incident and said they were not sure if the painting had been destroyed or not.&nbsp;

“In the afternoon of June 14 around 2:30 p.m. (8:30 ET) an action was carried out at the National Museum in Stockholm. Two people made handprints with some kind of paint on an artwork by the artist Monet in the exhibition ‘The Garden – Six Centuries of Art and Nature’ and then glued themselves to the glass,” the museum’s press office said.

“The painting, which is encased in glass, is now being inspected by museum conservators to determine whether there is any damage,” it added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-gets-tough-with-climate-activists-596379">Watch |&nbsp;Germany gets tough with climate activists</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-gets-tough-with-climate-activists-596379/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Aterstall Vatmarker, a platform that empowers such 'progressive causes' took to Twitter to post the video of the incident.&nbsp;

"Emma &amp; Maj, nurse and nursing student respectively, today in action at the National Museum. The situation is so damn critical. Therefore, they put red handprints &amp; glued themselves to the protective glass of Monet's famous painting&nbsp;‘The Garden – Six Centuries of Art and Nature’" read the tweet.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Emma &amp; Maj, sjuksköterska respektive sjuksköterskestudent, idag i aktion på Nationalmuseum. Läget är så jäkla kritiskt. Därför satte de röda handavtryck &amp; limmade fast sig på skyddsglaset på Monets kända tavla Konstnärens trädgård i Giverny. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%C3%A5terst%C3%A4llv%C3%A5tmarker?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#återställvåtmarker</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gr0bFzqHDX">pic.twitter.com/Gr0bFzqHDX</a>
— Återställ Våtmarker (@vatmarker) <a href="https://twitter.com/vatmarker/status/1668991281169612801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The duo reportedly shouted&nbsp;"The (climate) situation is acute" and "our health is threatened" after their daring act.&nbsp;

<h2>Stockholm police arrest the activists&nbsp;</h2>

The Stockholm police upon arriving at the scene arrested the two women who have been charged under aggravated vandalism.&nbsp;

“The crime is currently classified as aggravated vandalism. It is unclear whether more people than the two arrested are involved in the incident, but a number of people have been checked and the police will, among other things, review the course of events with the help of the museum’s surveillance cameras,” the police said in a release.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-launch-operation-against-disruptive-climate-change-protestors-and-groups-531856">Also read |&nbsp;UK Police launch operation against disruptive climate change protesters and groups</a>

The vandalism by the duo follows in the footsteps of similar episodes carried by supposed 'climate change activists' across Europe and outside. The modus operandi is the same in most cases.

Apart from art museums, climate activists have also impeded proceedings at F1 Grand Prix races and cricket matches. Recently, the England cricket team was held up as they attempted to make their way to the Lord's cricket ground to play the one-off Test match against Ireland. Just Stop Oil activists marched before the team bus with placards saying "life over oil", "we won't die quietly' and #no new oil and gas".

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

Continuing the rather absurd trend of targeting popular paintings and art pieces, two women climate activists on Wednesday vandalised a Monet painting at Stockholm's National Museum.

Continuing the rather absurd trend of targeting popular paintings and art pieces, two women climate activists on Wednesday vandalised a Monet painting at Stockholm's National Museum. The women were arrested but not before they smeared red paint over the painting and glued themselves to the protective glass. The museum's press office confirmed the incident and said they were not sure if the painting had been destroyed or not. “In the afternoon of June 14 around 2:30 p.m. (8:30 ET) an action was carried out at the National Museum in Stockholm. Two people made handprints with some kind of paint on an artwork by the artist Monet in the exhibition ‘The Garden – Six Centuries of Art and Nature’ and then glued themselves to the glass,” the museum’s press office said. “The painting, which is encased in glass, is now being inspected by museum conservators to determine whether there is any damage,” it added. Watch | Germany gets tough with climate activists × Aterstall Vatmarker, a platform that empowers such 'progressive causes' took to Twitter to post the video of the incident. "Emma & Maj, nurse and nursing student respectively, today in action at the National Museum. The situation is so damn critical. Therefore, they put red handprints & glued themselves to the protective glass of Monet's famous painting ‘The Garden – Six Centuries of Art and Nature’" read the tweet. Emma & Maj, sjuksköterska respektive sjuksköterskestudent, idag i aktion på Nationalmuseum. Läget är så jäkla kritiskt. Därför satte de röda handavtryck & limmade fast sig på skyddsglaset på Monets kända tavla Konstnärens trädgård i Giverny. #återställvåtmarker pic.twitter.com/Gr0bFzqHDX — Återställ Våtmarker (@vatmarker) June 14, 2023 × The duo reportedly shouted "The (climate) situation is acute" and "our health is threatened" after their daring act. Stockholm police arrest the activists The Stockholm police upon arriving at the scene arrested the two women who have been charged under aggravated vandalism. “The crime is currently classified as aggravated vandalism. It is unclear whether more people than the two arrested are involved in the incident, but a number of people have been checked and the police will, among other things, review the course of events with the help of the museum’s surveillance cameras,” the police said in a release. Also read | UK Police launch operation against disruptive climate change protesters and groups The vandalism by the duo follows in the footsteps of similar episodes carried by supposed 'climate change activists' across Europe and outside. The modus operandi is the same in most cases. Apart from art museums, climate activists have also impeded proceedings at F1 Grand Prix races and cricket matches. Recently, the England cricket team was held up as they attempted to make their way to the Lord's cricket ground to play the one-off Test match against Ireland. Just Stop Oil activists marched before the team bus with placards saying "life over oil", "we won't die quietly' and #no new oil and gas". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Climate activists smear paint over Monet painting in Stockholm

Looking beyond Russia-Ukraine war or supply chain issues, Swedish authorities believe that the reason the country recorded higher-than-expected inflation in May is because of Beyonce.

The singer’s decision to kick off her Renaissance tour from Stockholm in May spurred massive demand for hotel bookings and meals which the economists blame for the rise in inflation by 0.2 percentage points..

According to data published by Statistics Sweden on Wednesday, the core inflation, which excludes energy prices, rose to 9.7 per cent in May.

The economists said that restaurants and hotels added 0.3 percentage points to the May figure, while recreation and culture contributed 0.2 percentage points.

<h2>Surprised with inflation figures</h2>

Experts had expected the inflation to hover around 9.4 per cent from 10.5 per cent in April. But they were surprised to find the Beyonce effect having that much impact on the country. The inflation in Sweden peaked at 12.3 per cent in December.

“Beyoncé is responsible for the extra upside surprise this month. It’s quite astonishing for a single event. We haven’t seen this before,” said Michael Grahn, Danske’s chief economist in Sweden, who said that the singer was responsible for the 0.2 percentage points inflation rise.

<h2>Sweden: Will allow NATO to base troops in territory</h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sweden-will-allow-nato-to-base-troops-in-territory-602645/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>The Beyonce effect</h2>

Major sporting tournaments often tip the scales on the higher side, but the economists said it was rare for a single event to do so.

In the middle of May, tens and thousands of fans descended to Stockholm to catch the two concerts that kicked off her first solo tour in seven years. Estimates peg the crowd at each concert to be at 46,000, with some forced to stay outside the capital as hotels filled up fast.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-slips-into-recession-as-gdp-fell-01-per-cent-in-the-march-quarter-604574">New Zealand slips into recession as GDP falls 0.1 per cent in March quarter</a>

There were reports that a number of fans had travelled from overseas to see the shows, taking advantage of the weak Swedish currency and lower ticket prices.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-explains-new-zealand-loses-almost-decade-old-fight-for-manuka-honey-trademark-heres-what-it-means-595191">&nbsp;WION Explains: New Zealand loses almost decade-old fight for `mānuka honey` trademark. Here`s what it means</a>

In an interview to Wall Street Journal, Grahn said that the effect was “very rare” and he expected the situation to go back to normal in June.

But one economist told the Financial Times newspaper that Sweden might experience a similar inflation bump when Bruce Springsteen plays three nights of concerts in Gothenburg in June.

After Stockholm, Beyoncé moved through several European capitals including Brussels, Cardiff, Edinburgh and five nights in London. She has seven more dates in Germany, the Netherlands and Poland before moving to Canada and the US.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Looking beyond Russia-Ukraine war or supply chain issues, Swedish authorities believe that the reason the country recorded higher-than-expected inflation in May is because of Beyonce.

Looking beyond Russia-Ukraine war or supply chain issues, Swedish authorities believe that the reason the country recorded higher-than-expected inflation in May is because of Beyonce. The singer’s decision to kick off her Renaissance tour from Stockholm in May spurred massive demand for hotel bookings and meals which the economists blame for the rise in inflation by 0.2 percentage points.. According to data published by Statistics Sweden on Wednesday, the core inflation, which excludes energy prices, rose to 9.7 per cent in May. The economists said that restaurants and hotels added 0.3 percentage points to the May figure, while recreation and culture contributed 0.2 percentage points. Surprised with inflation figures Experts had expected the inflation to hover around 9.4 per cent from 10.5 per cent in April. But they were surprised to find the Beyonce effect having that much impact on the country. The inflation in Sweden peaked at 12.3 per cent in December. “Beyoncé is responsible for the extra upside surprise this month. It’s quite astonishing for a single event. We haven’t seen this before,” said Michael Grahn, Danske’s chief economist in Sweden, who said that the singer was responsible for the 0.2 percentage points inflation rise. Sweden: Will allow NATO to base troops in territory The Beyonce effect Major sporting tournaments often tip the scales on the higher side, but the economists said it was rare for a single event to do so. In the middle of May, tens and thousands of fans descended to Stockholm to catch the two concerts that kicked off her first solo tour in seven years. Estimates peg the crowd at each concert to be at 46,000, with some forced to stay outside the capital as hotels filled up fast. Also read | New Zealand slips into recession as GDP falls 0.1 per cent in March quarter There were reports that a number of fans had travelled from overseas to see the shows, taking advantage of the weak Swedish currency and lower ticket prices. Also read | WION Explains: New Zealand loses almost decade-old fight for `mānuka honey` trademark. Here`s what it means In an interview to Wall Street Journal, Grahn said that the effect was “very rare” and he expected the situation to go back to normal in June. But one economist told the Financial Times newspaper that Sweden might experience a similar inflation bump when Bruce Springsteen plays three nights of concerts in Gothenburg in June. After Stockholm, Beyoncé moved through several European capitals including Brussels, Cardiff, Edinburgh and five nights in London. She has seven more dates in Germany, the Netherlands and Poland before moving to Canada and the US. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Swedish economists blame Beyonce for higher-than-expected inflation in May

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that Ankara won't change its approach towards Sweden's NATO membership bid at the summit of the Western alliance next month unless anti-Turkey protests stop in Stockholm.&nbsp;

"Turkey cannot approach the NATO bid of Sweden positively while terrorists&nbsp;continue their protests in Stockholm, and the position of Turkey would be made clear once talks are again held with Swedish officials in Ankara on Wednesday," President Erdogan was quoted as saying to the reporters on a flight which returned from Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

The comments were made by Erdogan before the officials from Turkey, Sweden, Finland and NATO held talks in Ankara on Wednesday with the aim of trying to overcome objections of Turkey that have delayed the NATO membership bid of Sweden.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-agrees-to-extradite-pro-kurdish-pkk-supporter-to-turkey-603643">Amid NATO membership bid, Sweden agrees to extradite pro-Kurdish PKK supporter to Turkey</a>

“Sweden’s expectations don’t mean we’ll meet them,” said Erdogan, while speaking to the Turkish media. “Sweden must, first of all, eradicate what this terrorist organisation is doing. In this picture, we can’t have a positive approach," he added.

The remarks of Erdogan suggest his reluctance to approve NATO membership of Sweden which is likely to&nbsp;continue even after the upcoming summit of the alliance in Vilnius, Lithuania, next month.&nbsp;

In April, Finland was given the approval to join NATO after Turkey ratified its bid in March.&nbsp;

<h2>Sweden compliant with Madrid agreement?</h2>

Sweden has continued to claim that it is in compliance with an agreement finalised at NATO’s summit in Madrid a year ago, which permitted the process to move ahead. On June 1, a new anti-terrorism law was enforced in Sweden, but Erdogan said that the country has not been able to anti-Turkey protests so far.&nbsp;

Speaking on Sweden's legal changes, Erdogan stated, "This is not only a matter of a law amendment or a constitutional change. What is the job of the police there? They have legal and constitutional rights, they should exercise their rights. The police should prevent these (protests)."

WATCH |&nbsp;Italy's special forces rescue Turkish crew

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italys-special-forces-rescue-turkish-crew-602953/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Effective Crackdown</h2>

Turkish President Erdogan appealed to the security forces of Sweden to carry out an effective crackdown on Kurdish militants to fully comply&nbsp;with the agreement signed in Madrid.&nbsp;

“There are rights already given to security forces under laws, the constitution. Use those rights,” Erdogan stated as he recalled the battle of Turkey against separatist Kurdish militants in southeast Turkey. “If you are not going to use those rights then where is NATO’s struggle against terrorism? NATO must solve this. Otherwise, we would not say ‘fine’ in Vilnius," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that Ankara won't change its approach towards Sweden's NATO membership bid at the summit of the Western alliance next month unless anti-Turkey protests stop in Stockholm.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that Ankara won't change its approach towards Sweden's NATO membership bid at the summit of the Western alliance next month unless anti-Turkey protests stop in Stockholm. "Turkey cannot approach the NATO bid of Sweden positively while terrorists continue their protests in Stockholm, and the position of Turkey would be made clear once talks are again held with Swedish officials in Ankara on Wednesday," President Erdogan was quoted as saying to the reporters on a flight which returned from Azerbaijan on Tuesday. The comments were made by Erdogan before the officials from Turkey, Sweden, Finland and NATO held talks in Ankara on Wednesday with the aim of trying to overcome objections of Turkey that have delayed the NATO membership bid of Sweden. ALSO READ | Amid NATO membership bid, Sweden agrees to extradite pro-Kurdish PKK supporter to Turkey “Sweden’s expectations don’t mean we’ll meet them,” said Erdogan, while speaking to the Turkish media. “Sweden must, first of all, eradicate what this terrorist organisation is doing. In this picture, we can’t have a positive approach," he added. The remarks of Erdogan suggest his reluctance to approve NATO membership of Sweden which is likely to continue even after the upcoming summit of the alliance in Vilnius, Lithuania, next month. In April, Finland was given the approval to join NATO after Turkey ratified its bid in March. Sweden compliant with Madrid agreement? Sweden has continued to claim that it is in compliance with an agreement finalised at NATO’s summit in Madrid a year ago, which permitted the process to move ahead. On June 1, a new anti-terrorism law was enforced in Sweden, but Erdogan said that the country has not been able to anti-Turkey protests so far. Speaking on Sweden's legal changes, Erdogan stated, "This is not only a matter of a law amendment or a constitutional change. What is the job of the police there? They have legal and constitutional rights, they should exercise their rights. The police should prevent these (protests)." WATCH | Italy's special forces rescue Turkish crew Effective Crackdown Turkish President Erdogan appealed to the security forces of Sweden to carry out an effective crackdown on Kurdish militants to fully comply with the agreement signed in Madrid. “There are rights already given to security forces under laws, the constitution. Use those rights,” Erdogan stated as he recalled the battle of Turkey against separatist Kurdish militants in southeast Turkey. “If you are not going to use those rights then where is NATO’s struggle against terrorism? NATO must solve this. Otherwise, we would not say ‘fine’ in Vilnius," he added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Turkey won't support Sweden's NATO bid unless anti-Turkish protests are stopped: Erdogan

Sweden on Monday (June 12) agreed to the extradition of a man who was convicted of drug trafficking and is a self-proclaimed supporter of the pro-Kurdish PKK. This also comes ahead of a meeting with Turkish and Swedish officials over the latter's stalled NATO bid. Earlier this month, Sweden even agreed to establish temporary NATO bases on its soil before becoming a member of the military alliance.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is the man being extradited to Turkey?</h2>

A Swedish Justice Ministry official, Ashraf Ahmed, told AFP that the government has granted “an extradition from Sweden regarding a 35-year-old Turkish citizen.” This also comes after the Supreme Court, earlier this year cleared the individual’s repatriation to Turkey, where he is also expected to serve the rest of his drug trafficking sentence.

The man, whose extradition was approved, had been sentenced in 2014 to four years and seven months in a Turkish prison for transporting a bag of cannabis. However, he was later released on parole and moved to Sweden, but was again reported arrested last year after a request from Turkish prosecutors.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-cannot-accept-some-demands-of-turkiye-for-nato-membership-pm-550526">Sweden cannot accept some demands of Turkiye for NATO membership: PM</a>

The convicted drug trafficker who has not been named has since opposed the move and claimed that the real reason that Turkey wants him back is due to his links to the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and for having shown support for the PKK, reported AFP.&nbsp;

Notably, the news agency cited the court ruling against the man which noted that when asked the Turkish prosecutors if he was involved in any ongoing probes or charges linked to a “terrorist organisation” or “insulting the Turkish president,” the authorities from Ankara had denied.&nbsp;

<h2>How is this related to Sweden’s NATO bid?</h2>

Turkey has stalled Sweden’s NATO bid for months now while accusing the country of being a haven for “terrorists.” This was also in reference to the members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, a group which has now been banned by Turkey.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sweden-awaits-turkiyes-approval-to-join-nato-550578">Sweden awaits Turkiye's approval to join NATO</a>

Additionally, Ankara has asked Stockholm to crack down on extremist groups and return dozens of people Turkey believes were involved in a failed 2016 coup and the decades-long Kurdish fight for an independent state.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said they wouldn’t support Sweden for NATO membership this was after the Quran-burning incident in the Scandinavian nation.&nbsp;

The incident in question took place in January when right-wing politician Rasmus Paludan, staged an event reportedly gave an hour-long speech against Islam and immigration and subsequently set fire to Islam’s holy book, Quran, outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-politician-burns-quran-during-protests-in-sweden-draws-condemnation-from-turkiye-554853/#ankaras-strong-condemnation-554864">In pics | Politician burns Quran during protests in Sweden draws condemnation from Turkiye</a>

The move had drawn strong condemnation from Ankara. Notably, Turkey, at the time was also facing pressure from NATO chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-has-fulfilled-obligations-for-membership-says-nato-chief-to-erdogan-600473">Jens Stoltenberg</a> to give up its opposition to Sweden’s bid to become a member of the military alliance.&nbsp;

The ratification of any nation to join NATO requires a unanimous vote while Sweden’s bid has been blocked by Turkey and Hungary. Sweden and Finland applied last year to join NATO as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and while Helsinki’s bid was accepted back in April Stockholm continues to struggle.&nbsp;

<h2>NATO to establish bases in Sweden?</h2>

There is a chance that NATO will set up bases in Sweden before the country is even a part of the alliance, “The government has decided that the Swedish Armed Forces may undertake preparations with NATO and NATO countries to enable future joint operations,” said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Defence Minister Pal Jonson, last week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedens-nato-membership-bid-gets-another-jolt-after-quran-burning-incident-outraged-turkey-555120">'Won't support Sweden's NATO membership', says Turkish President Erdogan</a>

In an opinion piece in the daily Dagens Nyheter, they also wrote, “The preparations may consist of temporary basing of foreign equipment and personnel on Swedish territory. The decision sends a clear signal to Russia and strengthens Sweden's defence.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Sweden on Monday (June 12) agreed to the extradition of a man who was convicted of drug trafficking and is a self-proclaimed supporter of the pro-Kurdish PKK. This also comes ahead of a meeting with Turkish and Swedish officials over the latter's stalled NATO bid.

Sweden on Monday (June 12) agreed to the extradition of a man who was convicted of drug trafficking and is a self-proclaimed supporter of the pro-Kurdish PKK. This also comes ahead of a meeting with Turkish and Swedish officials over the latter's stalled NATO bid. Earlier this month, Sweden even agreed to establish temporary NATO bases on its soil before becoming a member of the military alliance. Who is the man being extradited to Turkey? A Swedish Justice Ministry official, Ashraf Ahmed, told AFP that the government has granted “an extradition from Sweden regarding a 35-year-old Turkish citizen.” This also comes after the Supreme Court, earlier this year cleared the individual’s repatriation to Turkey, where he is also expected to serve the rest of his drug trafficking sentence. The man, whose extradition was approved, had been sentenced in 2014 to four years and seven months in a Turkish prison for transporting a bag of cannabis. However, he was later released on parole and moved to Sweden, but was again reported arrested last year after a request from Turkish prosecutors. ALSO READ | Sweden cannot accept some demands of Turkiye for NATO membership: PM The convicted drug trafficker who has not been named has since opposed the move and claimed that the real reason that Turkey wants him back is due to his links to the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and for having shown support for the PKK, reported AFP. Notably, the news agency cited the court ruling against the man which noted that when asked the Turkish prosecutors if he was involved in any ongoing probes or charges linked to a “terrorist organisation” or “insulting the Turkish president,” the authorities from Ankara had denied. How is this related to Sweden’s NATO bid? Turkey has stalled Sweden’s NATO bid for months now while accusing the country of being a haven for “terrorists.” This was also in reference to the members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, a group which has now been banned by Turkey. ALSO WATCH | Sweden awaits Turkiye's approval to join NATO Additionally, Ankara has asked Stockholm to crack down on extremist groups and return dozens of people Turkey believes were involved in a failed 2016 coup and the decades-long Kurdish fight for an independent state. Earlier this year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said they wouldn’t support Sweden for NATO membership this was after the Quran-burning incident in the Scandinavian nation. The incident in question took place in January when right-wing politician Rasmus Paludan, staged an event reportedly gave an hour-long speech against Islam and immigration and subsequently set fire to Islam’s holy book, Quran, outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm. ALSO READ | In pics | Politician burns Quran during protests in Sweden draws condemnation from Turkiye The move had drawn strong condemnation from Ankara. Notably, Turkey, at the time was also facing pressure from NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg to give up its opposition to Sweden’s bid to become a member of the military alliance. The ratification of any nation to join NATO requires a unanimous vote while Sweden’s bid has been blocked by Turkey and Hungary. Sweden and Finland applied last year to join NATO as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and while Helsinki’s bid was accepted back in April Stockholm continues to struggle. NATO to establish bases in Sweden? There is a chance that NATO will set up bases in Sweden before the country is even a part of the alliance, “The government has decided that the Swedish Armed Forces may undertake preparations with NATO and NATO countries to enable future joint operations,” said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Defence Minister Pal Jonson, last week. ALSO READ | 'Won't support Sweden's NATO membership', says Turkish President Erdogan In an opinion piece in the daily Dagens Nyheter, they also wrote, “The preparations may consist of temporary basing of foreign equipment and personnel on Swedish territory. The decision sends a clear signal to Russia and strengthens Sweden's defence.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid NATO membership bid, Sweden agrees to extradite pro-Kurdish PKK supporter to Turkey

A 31-year-old Syrian asylum-seeker has stabbed four toddlers in the French town of Annecy. At least one of the toddlers was in a strolled at the time of the attack. Will the incident force France to rethink its policy regarding refugees and asylum-seekers? Vikram Chandra brings you the details.

France Stabbing: The attacker had refugee status in Sweden for ten years

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Sweden has said that it would allow NATO to use the bases of troops in its territory even before it joins the alliance. Swedish Prime Minister and Defense Minister said that a Swedish Armed Forces may undertake preparations with NATO and that the NATO countries will enable future joint operations. These preparations will consist of placing foreign equipment and personnel on Swedish territory on a temporary basis. Russia applied for NATO membership last year following Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Sweden: Will allow NATO to base troops in territory

British prime minister Rishi Sunak ahead of U.S trip this week has signal support for his defense secretary Ben Wallace as NATO's next chief when asked if he would push in Washington for Wallace's appointment Sunak did not directly answer but heaped praise on his 53-year-old cabinet colleague listening Ben does a fantastic job he's a great defense secretary this is a conversation that is happening amongst leaders around the world more generally and I'm sure it will continue to happen I would say Ben is widely respected amongst his colleagues around the world particularly for the role he's played in Ukraine and supporting Ukraine and and the Britain has always been a leading contributor to NATO.

Who will be next NATO chief as Jen Stoltenberg to retire soon

In Pics | Sweden celebrates its 500th anniversary

NATO Chief advises turkier to drop its opposition to Sweden's entry into the block on a visit to Istanbul stoltenberger that Sweden has taken concrete steps to address all of turkey's concerns turkey has expressed its opposition to Sweden's admission to the defense cooperation the Balkan nation has previously accused Stockholm of failing to take concrete steps to crack down on the elements turkey deems as an existential threat a concern Sweden has now fully taken care of Stockholm has seen important steps to align with turkey's prerequisites including amending their constitution ending an arms embargo and more importantly stepping up their counter-terrorism cooperation.

NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg: Sweden has fulfilled obligations

Over the weekend, multiple media reports citing sources said that Sweden has become the first country in the world to officially register sex as a sport and will also host the first-ever European Sex Championship in Gothenburg on June 8. However, these reports have turned out to be fake.&nbsp;

<h2>What exactly transpired?</h2>

As it turns out, the details which first emerged on Twitter, turned out to be fake as Swedish news outlet Goterborgs-Posten reported back in April that the application from the so-called Swedish Federation of Sex’s chairman Dragan Bratych had been rejected by the National Sports Confederation in Sweden.

Bratych, as per the Swedish media report, runs several strip clubs in southern Sweden and submitted the application to become a member of the National Sports Confederation and told the local media that they have an organisation number and that sex is a sport like any other.&nbsp;

However, in a press release months later, the National Sports Confederation said that while the application from the Swedish Sex Federation was submitted on time, it was “incomplete".&nbsp;Additionally, at the time, some four other confederations had also been rejected.&nbsp;

<h2>Reported details about the first-ever European Sex Championship</h2>

The reported championship was to take place under the guidance of the Swedish Sex Federation and go on for six weeks, with participants engaging in sexual activities under 16 disciplines, including seduction, oral sex, penetration, and more, as per media reports.&nbsp;

The European Sex Championship was reported to begin on June 8 and&nbsp;go on for six weeks where participants were to engage in sexual activities for 45 minutes to an&nbsp;hour each day with their matches and/or activities. However, some reports also claimed that the competitions could go on for as long as six hours a day.&nbsp;

Reportedly, the championship was to witness the participation of 20 people from different countries. A panel of three judges as well as audience ratings were to decide the winner.&nbsp;

As per earlier reports, the competition was touted to have 16 disciplines, including&nbsp;oral sex, seduction, penetration, endurance, number of orgasms, knowledge about sex, chemistry and communication between the couple, appearance, and so on.&nbsp;

The participants were supposedly expected to be well-versed in the Sanskrit scripture on sex and eroticism, Kamasutra, and its application was supposed to fetch&nbsp;them&nbsp;extra points.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Recognition of sex as a sport inevitable:&nbsp;Dragan Bratych</h2>

The organisers&nbsp;apparently&nbsp;encouraged&nbsp;participation from people of different sexual orientations and hoped that other European countries adopted the same in the future.&nbsp;

“The incorporation of sexual orientation as a part of sporting tactics will be a groundbreaking development among European countries,” said the organisers, as per media reports.&nbsp;

Bratych also said that recognition of sex as a sport was inevitable, as per Times of India, and highlighted the potential for physical and mental well-being through sexual activity and the importance of training for it.&nbsp;

“Just like any other sport, achieving desired results in sex requires training. Therefore, it is only logical for people to start competing in this domain as well,” said Bratych, as quoted by Times of India.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Over the weekend, multiple media reports citing sources said that Sweden has become the first country in the world to officially register sex as a sport and will also host the first-ever European Sex Championship in Gothenburg on June 8.

Over the weekend, multiple media reports citing sources said that Sweden has become the first country in the world to officially register sex as a sport and will also host the first-ever European Sex Championship in Gothenburg on June 8. However, these reports have turned out to be fake. What exactly transpired? As it turns out, the details which first emerged on Twitter, turned out to be fake as Swedish news outlet Goterborgs-Posten reported back in April that the application from the so-called Swedish Federation of Sex’s chairman Dragan Bratych had been rejected by the National Sports Confederation in Sweden. Bratych, as per the Swedish media report, runs several strip clubs in southern Sweden and submitted the application to become a member of the National Sports Confederation and told the local media that they have an organisation number and that sex is a sport like any other. However, in a press release months later, the National Sports Confederation said that while the application from the Swedish Sex Federation was submitted on time, it was “incomplete". Additionally, at the time, some four other confederations had also been rejected. Reported details about the first-ever European Sex Championship The reported championship was to take place under the guidance of the Swedish Sex Federation and go on for six weeks, with participants engaging in sexual activities under 16 disciplines, including seduction, oral sex, penetration, and more, as per media reports. The European Sex Championship was reported to begin on June 8 and go on for six weeks where participants were to engage in sexual activities for 45 minutes to an hour each day with their matches and/or activities. However, some reports also claimed that the competitions could go on for as long as six hours a day. Reportedly, the championship was to witness the participation of 20 people from different countries. A panel of three judges as well as audience ratings were to decide the winner. As per earlier reports, the competition was touted to have 16 disciplines, including oral sex, seduction, penetration, endurance, number of orgasms, knowledge about sex, chemistry and communication between the couple, appearance, and so on. The participants were supposedly expected to be well-versed in the Sanskrit scripture on sex and eroticism, Kamasutra, and its application was supposed to fetch them extra points. Recognition of sex as a sport inevitable: Dragan Bratych The organisers apparently encouraged participation from people of different sexual orientations and hoped that other European countries adopted the same in the future. “The incorporation of sexual orientation as a part of sporting tactics will be a groundbreaking development among European countries,” said the organisers, as per media reports. Bratych also said that recognition of sex as a sport was inevitable, as per Times of India, and highlighted the potential for physical and mental well-being through sexual activity and the importance of training for it. “Just like any other sport, achieving desired results in sex requires training. Therefore, it is only logical for people to start competing in this domain as well,” said Bratych, as quoted by Times of India. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Has Sweden made sex an official sport? Here's what reports say

In a first, scientists discovered new information about&nbsp;a key process which is involved in the early phases of programmed cell death also known as apoptosis which also stops cancer from spreading. The findings of the study which was led by Dr Luke Clifton, of the Science and Technology&nbsp;Facilities Council’s ISIS Neutron and Muon Source in Oxfordshire were published last week in the journal Science Advances.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we need to know about the cells studied?</h2>

The researchers found the molecular mechanism in apoptosis where cells are no longer needed to undergo self-destruction by activating the so-called “death programme”. Apoptosis is crucial for human life and also plays an important role in biological processes like immune system regulation.&nbsp;

It also helps eliminate potentially harmful or cancerous cells from the body while its disruption can cause cancerous cells to grow and reject treatments. Typically, apoptosis in healthy cells is regulated by two proteins, Bax and Bcl-2.&nbsp;

Bax is a soluble protein which is responsible for getting rid of the old or diseased cells from the body, as it creates pierces through a cell’s mitochondrial membrane to form pores which trigger the programmed cell death or apoptosis.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Bcl-2, which is embedded within the mitochondrial membrane, can offset this process in some cases which acts to prevent untimely cell death by capturing and sequestering Bax proteins. However, in cancerous cells, Bcl-2 is overproduced and leads to uninhibited cell growth and where normal cells stop dividing, cancer cells can keep on proliferating forming a growing tumour.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the scientists find?</h2>

For the first time, the researchers have found evidence of the involvement of mitochondrial lipids in the cell-death process, through a technique known as neutron reflectometry. It enabled scientists to study in real time the way that the Bax interacts with lipids present in the mitochondrial membrane during the initial stages of apoptosis.

“As far as we can tell, the mechanism by which Bax initiates cell death is previously unseen. Once we know more about the interplay between Bax and Bcl-2 and how it relates to this mechanism, we’ll have a more complete picture of a process that is fundamental to human life,” said Dr Clifton, as quoted by the Irish Examiner.&nbsp;

The scientists found that when Bax creates pores, it extracts lipids from the mitochondrial membrane to form clusters on the mitochondrial surface and with the help of time-resolved neutron reflectometry and surface infrared spectroscopy, they were able to see that in two stages.&nbsp;

First was the fast absorption of Bax onto the mitochondrial membrane surface which was followed by a slower formation of membrane-destroying pores and Bax-lipid clusters, which occurred simultaneously.&nbsp;

Similarly, Professor Gerhard Grobner of Umea University in Sweden and co-lead of the study said, “The unique findings here will not only have a significant impact in the field of apoptosis research but will also open gateways for exploring Bax and its relatives as interesting targets in cancer therapy such as by tuning up their cell-killing potential,” as per ANI.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

In a first, scientists discovered new information about a key process which is involved in the early phases of programmed cell death also known as apoptosis which also stops cancer from spreading.

In a first, scientists discovered new information about a key process which is involved in the early phases of programmed cell death also known as apoptosis which also stops cancer from spreading. The findings of the study which was led by Dr Luke Clifton, of the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s ISIS Neutron and Muon Source in Oxfordshire were published last week in the journal Science Advances. What do we need to know about the cells studied? The researchers found the molecular mechanism in apoptosis where cells are no longer needed to undergo self-destruction by activating the so-called “death programme”. Apoptosis is crucial for human life and also plays an important role in biological processes like immune system regulation. It also helps eliminate potentially harmful or cancerous cells from the body while its disruption can cause cancerous cells to grow and reject treatments. Typically, apoptosis in healthy cells is regulated by two proteins, Bax and Bcl-2. Bax is a soluble protein which is responsible for getting rid of the old or diseased cells from the body, as it creates pierces through a cell’s mitochondrial membrane to form pores which trigger the programmed cell death or apoptosis. Meanwhile, Bcl-2, which is embedded within the mitochondrial membrane, can offset this process in some cases which acts to prevent untimely cell death by capturing and sequestering Bax proteins. However, in cancerous cells, Bcl-2 is overproduced and leads to uninhibited cell growth and where normal cells stop dividing, cancer cells can keep on proliferating forming a growing tumour. What did the scientists find? For the first time, the researchers have found evidence of the involvement of mitochondrial lipids in the cell-death process, through a technique known as neutron reflectometry. It enabled scientists to study in real time the way that the Bax interacts with lipids present in the mitochondrial membrane during the initial stages of apoptosis. “As far as we can tell, the mechanism by which Bax initiates cell death is previously unseen. Once we know more about the interplay between Bax and Bcl-2 and how it relates to this mechanism, we’ll have a more complete picture of a process that is fundamental to human life,” said Dr Clifton, as quoted by the Irish Examiner. The scientists found that when Bax creates pores, it extracts lipids from the mitochondrial membrane to form clusters on the mitochondrial surface and with the help of time-resolved neutron reflectometry and surface infrared spectroscopy, they were able to see that in two stages. First was the fast absorption of Bax onto the mitochondrial membrane surface which was followed by a slower formation of membrane-destroying pores and Bax-lipid clusters, which occurred simultaneously. Similarly, Professor Gerhard Grobner of Umea University in Sweden and co-lead of the study said, “The unique findings here will not only have a significant impact in the field of apoptosis research but will also open gateways for exploring Bax and its relatives as interesting targets in cancer therapy such as by tuning up their cell-killing potential,” as per ANI. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Scientists find key process in cell death that stops progression of cancer

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday appealed to Turkey to give up its opposition to Sweden's bid to become a member of the US-led defence alliance, hoping that the accession of Stockholm would be finalised "as soon as possible". 
 
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been facing pressure to give the green light to NATO membership of Sweden ahead of a summit which will be scheduled in July in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. 
 
"Membership will make Sweden safer but also make NATO and Turkey stronger," Stoltenberg said while speaking to journalists after holding talks with President Erdogan along with Turkey's newly appointed Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who was earlier heading the intelligence agency in Istanbul. 
 
"I look forward to finalising Sweden's accession as soon as possible," he stated.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/india-a-nato-state-whose-gain-whose-loss-600030">India, a NATO state? Whose gain whose loss?</a>

On Saturday, Stoltenberg participated in the event held to mark Erdogan's re-election, who again came to power to serve another five years. The lavish ceremony also saw the participation of dozens of world leaders in Ankara. 
 
Turkey, a NATO member, has protested against Sweden's admission to the military alliance. Turkey and Hungary are the only two countries of NATO which are left to ratify the membership bid. 
 
Finland joined NATO formally in April.

<h2>Anti-Turkey protests</h2>

Sweden was accused by Erdogan of being a haven for "terrorists" like the members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group that Turkey and its Western allies have blacklisted. 
 
"Sweden has taken significant concrete steps to meet Turkey's concerns," Stoltenberg stated. 
 
"This includes amending the Swedish constitution, ending the arms embargo, and stepping up counter-terrorism operations including against the PKK. Sweden has fulfilled its obligations," he added. 
 
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom also stated that Stockholm had fulfilled "all the commitments" to join NATO and appealed to Hungary and Turkey to permit his country into the alliance. 
 
Ankara has been displeased with anti-Erdogan and anti-Turkey protests in Stockholm.

WATCH |&nbsp;NATO prompted Turkey to act after May 30 violence, Turkey sends troops to Kosovo after unrest

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-prompted-turkey-to-act-after-may-30-violence-turkey-sends-troops-to-kosovo-after-unrest-600251/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The authorities in Sweden allowed a "No to NATO, No Erdogan Laws in Sweden" demonstration to take place in the city centre on Sunday. 
 
"Freedom of assembly and expression are core values in democratic societies. But we should remember why these are taking place," said Stoltenberg. 
 
"Organisers of these demonstrations want to block Sweden's accession to NATO and undermine its collaboration with Turkey against terrorism and weaken NATO. We should not allow them to succeed,” he added.

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday appealed to Turkey to give up its opposition to Sweden's bid to become a member of the US-led defence alliance, hoping that the accession of Stockholm would be finalised "as soon as possible".

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday appealed to Turkey to give up its opposition to Sweden's bid to become a member of the US-led defence alliance, hoping that the accession of Stockholm would be finalised "as soon as possible". Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been facing pressure to give the green light to NATO membership of Sweden ahead of a summit which will be scheduled in July in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. "Membership will make Sweden safer but also make NATO and Turkey stronger," Stoltenberg said while speaking to journalists after holding talks with President Erdogan along with Turkey's newly appointed Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who was earlier heading the intelligence agency in Istanbul. "I look forward to finalising Sweden's accession as soon as possible," he stated. ALSO READ | India, a NATO state? Whose gain whose loss? On Saturday, Stoltenberg participated in the event held to mark Erdogan's re-election, who again came to power to serve another five years. The lavish ceremony also saw the participation of dozens of world leaders in Ankara. Turkey, a NATO member, has protested against Sweden's admission to the military alliance. Turkey and Hungary are the only two countries of NATO which are left to ratify the membership bid. Finland joined NATO formally in April. Anti-Turkey protests Sweden was accused by Erdogan of being a haven for "terrorists" like the members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group that Turkey and its Western allies have blacklisted. "Sweden has taken significant concrete steps to meet Turkey's concerns," Stoltenberg stated. "This includes amending the Swedish constitution, ending the arms embargo, and stepping up counter-terrorism operations including against the PKK. Sweden has fulfilled its obligations," he added. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom also stated that Stockholm had fulfilled "all the commitments" to join NATO and appealed to Hungary and Turkey to permit his country into the alliance. Ankara has been displeased with anti-Erdogan and anti-Turkey protests in Stockholm. WATCH | NATO prompted Turkey to act after May 30 violence, Turkey sends troops to Kosovo after unrest The authorities in Sweden allowed a "No to NATO, No Erdogan Laws in Sweden" demonstration to take place in the city centre on Sunday. "Freedom of assembly and expression are core values in democratic societies. But we should remember why these are taking place," said Stoltenberg. "Organisers of these demonstrations want to block Sweden's accession to NATO and undermine its collaboration with Turkey against terrorism and weaken NATO. We should not allow them to succeed,” he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sweden 'has fulfilled obligations' for membership,  NATO chief tells Turkey's Erdogan

The informal meeting of NATO's foreign ministers has concluded the meeting saw deliberations on several pressing issues which concerns the 30-member block this ranged from Sweden's membership in NATO to the war in Ukraine. The meeting in Oslo has set the stage for the Block's main Summit which will be held in Lithuanian Capital Vilnius next month, one of the issues which dominated the agenda during the foreign Minister's meeting was on how to evolve the relationship with Ukraine.

NATO meet concludes, now stage set for Vilnius summit

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) foreign ministers met in Norway's capital city Oslo on Thursday (June 1) to discuss support for Ukraine and Sweden's NATO membership bid. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the ministers are expected to discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine, which has been combating the Russian invasion since February last year.

NATO Foreign Ministers meet concludes, talks included Ukraine & Sweden membership

Despite Turkey and Hungary’s opposition, US President Joe Biden said that Sweden will “soon” join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Biden’s remarks came during his speech at the US Air Force Academy days after he hinted at a possible deal to overcome Turkey's opposition to admitting the Nordic country to the alliance.

“NATO is more energised and more united than it’s been in decades. It’s now even stronger with the accession of our newest ally, Finland – and soon Sweden – to the alliance, as soon as possible. It will happen. I promise you,” the US president said.

His remarks come just days after US Secretary of Stater Antony Blinken urged Turkey to approve Sweden’s bid.

“From the perspective of the United States, the time is now to finalise Sweden’s accession,” Blinken told reporters&nbsp;in the northern Swedish city of Lulea on Tuesday.

The top US diplomat was also hopeful that the process would be completed before a NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius in July.

Biden had also held a telephone conversation with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, ostensibly to congratulate him for his recent re-election as Turkish president. Sweden's membership of NATO also came up during the call, according to reports.

<h2>NATO optimistic about Sweden's membership before July summit</h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-optimistic-about-swedens-membership-before-july-summit-598648/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Although Sweden and Finland applied together for membership, Finland was able to secure support from 30 countries that are members of the military alliance, while Stockholm continued to face opposition from Turkey and Hungary. Both applications were necessitated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is scheduled to visit Ankara this month, where he will meet President Erdogan to push the ratification of Sweden's membership.

"I'm confident of course that Sweden will be a member, and then we're working for that to happen as early as possible," Stoltenberg said at a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Oslo on Thursday.

<h2>Sweden’s plea to Turkey and Hungary</h2>

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said Stockholm had fulfilled "all the commitments" to join NATO and urged Turkey and Hungary to allow his country into the alliance.

"It is time for Turkey and Hungary to start the ratification of the Swedish membership to NATO. This was never a sprint, it's a marathon, and we now see the end of it," he said.

<h2>Why are Hungary and Turkey opposed to Sweden joining NATO?</h2>

Sweden has been critical of Turkey’s perceived human rights abuses and erosion of democratic institutions.

Turkey accuses Stockholm of harbouring members of what it considers terrorist groups – a charge Sweden denies – and has demanded their extradition as a step toward ratifying Swedish membership of NATO.

Sweden’s courts have blocked some expulsions.

Turkey had also objected to protests&nbsp;in Stockholm during which the Muslim holy book, the Quran, was burned and, on a separate occasion, an effigy of Erdogan was hung upside down.

Hungary says Sweden has had a hostile attitude to Budapest for years. It is irked over Swedish criticism of Prime Minister Viktor Orban over the perceived erosion of rule of law, which Orban denies.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Despite Turkey and Hungary’s opposition, US President Joe Biden said that Sweden will “soon” join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Biden’s remarks came during his speech at the US Air Force Academy days after he hinted at a possible deal to overcome Turkey's opposition to admitting the Nordic country to the alliance.

Despite Turkey and Hungary’s opposition, US President Joe Biden said that Sweden will “soon” join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Biden’s remarks came during his speech at the US Air Force Academy days after he hinted at a possible deal to overcome Turkey's opposition to admitting the Nordic country to the alliance. “NATO is more energised and more united than it’s been in decades. It’s now even stronger with the accession of our newest ally, Finland – and soon Sweden – to the alliance, as soon as possible. It will happen. I promise you,” the US president said. His remarks come just days after US Secretary of Stater Antony Blinken urged Turkey to approve Sweden’s bid. “From the perspective of the United States, the time is now to finalise Sweden’s accession,” Blinken told reporters in the northern Swedish city of Lulea on Tuesday. The top US diplomat was also hopeful that the process would be completed before a NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius in July. Biden had also held a telephone conversation with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, ostensibly to congratulate him for his recent re-election as Turkish president. Sweden's membership of NATO also came up during the call, according to reports. NATO optimistic about Sweden's membership before July summit Although Sweden and Finland applied together for membership, Finland was able to secure support from 30 countries that are members of the military alliance, while Stockholm continued to face opposition from Turkey and Hungary. Both applications were necessitated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is scheduled to visit Ankara this month, where he will meet President Erdogan to push the ratification of Sweden's membership. "I'm confident of course that Sweden will be a member, and then we're working for that to happen as early as possible," Stoltenberg said at a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Oslo on Thursday. Sweden’s plea to Turkey and Hungary Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said Stockholm had fulfilled "all the commitments" to join NATO and urged Turkey and Hungary to allow his country into the alliance. "It is time for Turkey and Hungary to start the ratification of the Swedish membership to NATO. This was never a sprint, it's a marathon, and we now see the end of it," he said. Why are Hungary and Turkey opposed to Sweden joining NATO? Sweden has been critical of Turkey’s perceived human rights abuses and erosion of democratic institutions. Turkey accuses Stockholm of harbouring members of what it considers terrorist groups – a charge Sweden denies – and has demanded their extradition as a step toward ratifying Swedish membership of NATO. Sweden’s courts have blocked some expulsions. Turkey had also objected to protests in Stockholm during which the Muslim holy book, the Quran, was burned and, on a separate occasion, an effigy of Erdogan was hung upside down. Hungary says Sweden has had a hostile attitude to Budapest for years. It is irked over Swedish criticism of Prime Minister Viktor Orban over the perceived erosion of rule of law, which Orban denies. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sweden ‘will soon’ join NATO, says US President Joe Biden

According to a report by Swedish TV4, at least four students were taken to the hospital after a knife attack in the Swedish town of Eskilstuna, on Thursday (June 1). The media report, citing the local police, said that the incident has been classified as attempted murder.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

According to the TV4 report, the four victims were high school students aged 15 out of which three were stabbed in the upper body and were taken to the hospital.&nbsp;

The Swedish media later reported that the incident was a knife attack. They had also initially reported that the reported attack took place at a school but the headmaster later said the students had been at a different location at the time of the incident. The alleged attack took place in the afternoon just before 1:00 pm (local time) in the area of Munktellarenan, said the media report.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the police say?</h2>

Spokesperson Dennis Strömberg Johansson, as per The Sun, said that there are several police patrols in the vicinity of Munktellarenan and barriers have been set up. "It must be an assault with at least one motive. The crime classification is attempted murder," said Johansson, as quoted by the media report.&nbsp;

Police personnel were seen in the area and the scene has since been cordoned off, reported the local media. In an update some hours later, the police said that they have arrested two young men in connection with the case.&nbsp;

"There was some kind of brawl between several people. We don't know if there are two or more gangs of people involved, but it is several persons," said the local police spokesperson, as quoted by Reuters, adding, "There is no information whatsoever that this is related to terrorism."

The incident also comes over a year after two teachers, Victoria Edstrom and Sara Book, in their 50s, were allegedly killed by an 18-year-old student armed with an axe and knives.&nbsp;

The incident took place in March 2022 at the Malmo Latin School where two employees at a secondary school in the centre of the country’s third-largest city were stabbed and later succumbed to injuries.

The perpetrator, later identified as Fabian Cederholm, was found guilty of the attack late last year. He was sentenced to life in prison, which in Sweden means a minimum of 20 to 25 years, but it could be extended.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

According to a report by Swedish TV4, at least four students were taken to the hospital after a knife attack in the Swedish town of Eskilstuna, on Thursday (June 1).

According to a report by Swedish TV4, at least four students were taken to the hospital after a knife attack in the Swedish town of Eskilstuna, on Thursday (June 1). The media report, citing the local police, said that the incident has been classified as attempted murder. What happened? According to the TV4 report, the four victims were high school students aged 15 out of which three were stabbed in the upper body and were taken to the hospital. The Swedish media later reported that the incident was a knife attack. They had also initially reported that the reported attack took place at a school but the headmaster later said the students had been at a different location at the time of the incident. The alleged attack took place in the afternoon just before 1:00 pm (local time) in the area of Munktellarenan, said the media report. What did the police say? Spokesperson Dennis Strömberg Johansson, as per The Sun, said that there are several police patrols in the vicinity of Munktellarenan and barriers have been set up. "It must be an assault with at least one motive. The crime classification is attempted murder," said Johansson, as quoted by the media report. Police personnel were seen in the area and the scene has since been cordoned off, reported the local media. In an update some hours later, the police said that they have arrested two young men in connection with the case. "There was some kind of brawl between several people. We don't know if there are two or more gangs of people involved, but it is several persons," said the local police spokesperson, as quoted by Reuters, adding, "There is no information whatsoever that this is related to terrorism." The incident also comes over a year after two teachers, Victoria Edstrom and Sara Book, in their 50s, were allegedly killed by an 18-year-old student armed with an axe and knives. The incident took place in March 2022 at the Malmo Latin School where two employees at a secondary school in the centre of the country’s third-largest city were stabbed and later succumbed to injuries. The perpetrator, later identified as Fabian Cederholm, was found guilty of the attack late last year. He was sentenced to life in prison, which in Sweden means a minimum of 20 to 25 years, but it could be extended. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Multiple students injured after knife attack in Sweden, two arrested: Reports

French President Emmanuel Macron urged the West to provide "tangible and credible" security guarantees to Ukraine as it fights Russia's incursion. Macron emphasised in Bratislava that NATO security guarantees for Kiev are in the interests of the West and that Ukraine "is today protecting Europe."

NATO meet: Emmanuel Macron urges tangible security guarantees for Kyiv

Sweden is said to become the first European country to declare itself smoke-free as there are less than five percent daily smokers in the Swedish population. Experts have credited the success to the decades of anti-smoking campaigns and legislation in Sweden while some think the credit goes to a smokeless tobacco product called Snus. This product is banned everywhere in the European Union but in Sweden it is available as an alternative to cigarettes.

Sweden set to become Europe's first 'smoke-free' nation

The second day of the NATO informal meeting of Foreign Ministers will get underway in Oslo in a few hours. Later today, NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg will give a joint statement with US Secretary of state Antony Blinken. President Joe Biden has approved a new package of military aid for Ukraine that totals up to 300 million dollars. It includes additional munitions for drones and an array of other weapons.

US at NATO meet: Military aid for Ukraine includes drones and weapons

Sweden has not lost all hope as far as its NATO membership is considered it aspires to be a part of North Atlantic Treaty Organization or the NATO by the time the block holds its Summit in Lithuanian capital city of Vilnius in July this is in line with statements coming from senior officials from Washington.

NATO optimistic about Sweden's membership before July summit

NATO FMs meet in Norway: Sweden's Turkey bid likely to dominate talks

sweden

Sweden, News on Sweden, stories on Sweden, articles on Sweden, Sweden stories at Wion, Sweden news, Sweden latest news