"The Swedish government is lecturing us on the rule of law. Meanwhile, a Die Welt article reveals criminal networks are exploiting Swedish children as assassins, knowing they won't face legal consequences," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban posted on X on 15/9.
Mr. Orban added that Sweden, once known for order and safety, is "now collapsing." He claimed 280 underage girls in Sweden were arrested for murder and many families live in fear.
"It's heartbreaking. The Swedish people deserve better," he wrote.
 |
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (left) and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a press conference in Budapest in 2/2024. Photo: Reuters |
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (left) and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a press conference in Budapest in 2/2024. Photo: Reuters
His Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, criticized Mr. Orban's statements as "blatant lies".
"It's no surprise these comments come from the very man dismantling the rule of law in his own country. Mr. Orban is desperate ahead of the upcoming Hungarian elections," Mr. Kristersson wrote on X.
The article Mr. Orban cited, originally from AFP and published by Germany's Die Welt, described the role of underage girls in Swedish organized crime. The figures AFP used were sourced from the Swedish Prosecution Authority.
According to this data, the "280 underage girls arrested for murder" cited by Mr. Orban were actually 280 girls aged 15 to 17 charged with murder, manslaughter, or assault in 2024. Specifically, there were 4 murders and 277 assaults. However, the data didn't specify how many cases were linked to organized crime.
The Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention reported 92 deadly violence cases in Sweden in 2024, the lowest since 2014.
Meanwhile, Hungary is frequently criticized by the European Union (EU) over rule-of-law concerns. In its sixth annual report, the European Commission criticized Budapest for "lack of progress" in addressing corruption, strengthening civil society, and ensuring media independence.
Thanh Tam (AFP)
