Disturbing developments in the Swedish covid debate.

Yesterday, Radio Sweden published articles accusing scientists and activists critical of the Swedish pandemic response of attempting to damage Sweden's image abroad and encourage harassment. 1/ https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/private-facebook-group-attempts-to-influence-swedish-interests-abroad

This was quickly shared approvingly by major media personalities. The well-known science communicator Emma Frans declared the people were 'a threat to democracy'. The official account of the Public Health Agency retweeted this. 2/

The critics were accused of somehow deliberately spreading misinformation in international media and scientific publications. The spokesperson for the Public Health Agency referred to 'half-truths and outbursts'. 3/

Critics were accused of treason. 4/

No evidence was given for any of this supposedly nefarious activity. Nor was it explained how it can be considered a threat for scientists to speak with and write for international media. 5/ https://twitter.com/DavidSteadson/status/1359069498427518976

To be clear, claiming that critics of state policy are working with foreign actors to damage the country is a chilling accusation that shuts down legitimate debate.

It's a tried and tested strategy used by authoritarian regimes, and has no place in an open democratic society. 6/

Aftonbladet's political editor accused critics of being conspiracy theorists. He has previously likened critique to QAnon. Of course there is zero reflection on the fact that the Swedish approach is idolised by the far right around the world. 7/

Nor is there any acknowledgement of the fact that Tegnell and others are on record praising Ivor Cummins, who is an actual corona sceptic conspiracy theorist. 8/ https://twitter.com/NDLoubere/status/1351135767289069568

It is also ironic that these critics are accused of engaging in a foreign influence operation, when Tegnell and Giesecke have spent the last year actively attempting to influence the pandemic responses of other countries. 9/ https://twitter.com/VirpiFlyg/status/1349739878171422720

In sum, IMO this is a dark turn in the debate. Criticising public policy internationally does not make one anti-Sweden or working against the country's interests.

If this goes unchallenged it sets a disturbing precedent for future politically charged debates. 10/

Finally, the only reason I am tweeting this is because I think it needs to be said. I take no pleasure in criticising Swedish policy, nor do I have anything to gain from it (quite the opposite). I would much rather be tweeting about my research interests. 11/