Swedish journalists cowed by threats

Journalists at almost half of Sweden’s newspapers received personal threats in 2006. Two thirds of all newspaper editors were threatened with physical injury or damage to property during the same period. In some cases the threats had the desired effect, as newspapers decided to drop their coverage of sensitive issues, according to a study carried out by Mid Sweden University in Sundsvall. The report details a number of specific incidents, including that of a journalist whose post box was blown to pieces. In another case, an editor was threatened in his office by an unwanted visitor bearing a pair of scissors. Over the last few years, studies have shown that local politicians are exposed to more threats than ever before. According to the report, politicians and journalists often find themselves used as pawns in the same game. (The Local,February 13, 2007)

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