Paludan Attacked in Uppsala

Yesterday, we reported that Danish politician and activist, Rasmus Paludan, was planning another visit to Sweden in order to burn Korans in various locations. On Sunday afternoon, Paludan and  some friends arrived in front of the Uppsala mosque where they apparently were planning to burn a Koran. However, a group of young men, who reportedly ran out of the mosque, attacked Paludan’s vehicle as it sped away. The below article from SVT (Swedish State Television) is translated by Fousesquawk. The voices in the video are unintelligible, but the video shows the attack and speaks for itself.

 https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/uppsala/rasmus-paludan-i-uppsala-1

Caption below video: See in the video how a person jumped on the windshield of the car before they drove away

Tumult when Rasmus Paludan showed up in Uppsala

Updated yesterday at 13:38. Posted yesterday at 09:18

The extreme-right politician Rasmus Paludan, in spite of everything, showed up in Uppsala late Sunday afternoon. But his visit at the Uppsala mosque was cut short.

“He got out of his vehicle but was quickly met by persons who attacked the vehicle causing damage,” says Mikael Hedström, press spokesperson with Region Mitt.

Although Rasmus Paludan’s application to hold an election meeting in Uppsala was rejected earlier in the week, he still showed up in Uppsala around 1700 hours on Sunday. Outside the Uppsala mosque, he tried to set fire to a Koran but was interrupted by several persons who came running and attacked his car. 

When the tumult broke out, several picket busses pulled into the location in the neighborhood of  Kvarngärdet where some 30 people had gathered.

“We came to the location and were there a while. Initially, there were many emotions, it has calmed down,” says Mikael Hedström.

Spoken with Paludan

Neither Rasmus nor any other person are believed to have been injured in the incident. However, there was damage to the car, and a report on the damage will be filed. Rasmus Paludan is not suspected of any crime.

After the incident, the police met with him away from the scene for a talk.

“We have met with him and talked. We are monitoring the continuing developments closely.”

The police continued their presence at the Uppsala mosque during the evening.

“We are there to inform visitors and create safety for residents and those who visit the mosque. At this time, we judge that the situation is calm,” said Mikael Hedström. before 18:00.

Left city

Around 19:00, police stated that Rasmus Paludan left Uppsala.

Later in the evening, Yaser Abu-Jheisheh, vice chairman of the Uppsala mosque said that several members felt let down by the police.

“I have never been in such a situation before. We had just talked to police and politicians and said that we cannot manage the events if they come. Many feel let down by the police because they did not prevent people coming here, that they didn’t stop him earlier,” He says.

“I cannot comment on that. (We) have done an exceptionally good job. We have had dialogue with the mosque and will investigate whether something went wrong in the communication,” says Mikael  Hedström of the police..