The Swedish state has admitted to violating the privacy rights of 71-year-old Ulla-Lena Lindqvist after the Tax Agency (Skatteverket) incorrectly registered more than 90 strangers at her summer cottage address. In a formal response through the Chancellor of Justice (Justitiekanslern), the state acknowledged it had breached Lindqvist's right to privacy under the European Convention and failed to provide her with effective legal protection.
After nearly four years of legal battle, the state has agreed to pay Lindqvist 10,000 kronor in compensation. The case was brought with assistance from the Center for Justice (Centrum för rättvisa). Lindqvist expressed surprise at her victory, stating: "It feels absolutely fantastic. I'm a little overwhelmed. Even though it's logical, I actually wasn't prepared that little me could win against the state. Now I really hope this can lead to improvements for others too."
It feels absolutely fantastic. I'm a little overwhelmed. Even though it's logical, I actually wasn't prepared that little me could win against the state. Now I really hope this can lead to improvements for others too.
Fredrik Bäärnhielm Thorslund, a lawyer at the Center for Justice, emphasized the case's broader significance: "This means a lot, not just for Ulla-Lena but also for others who have been affected by similar address misregistrations. They have now received proof that the state's handling of these matters has been unacceptable." The state maintains that the privacy violation was not severe enough to warrant higher compensation, but the legal principle established by the admission is considered more important than the monetary award.
This means a lot, not just for Ulla-Lena but also for others who have been affected by similar address misregistrations. They have now received proof that the state's handling of these matters has been unacceptable.