TV4 news chief Fredrick Malmberg has defended criminologist Leif GW Persson after the TV personality faced sharp criticism for expressing full support for Andreas Klominek, a man charged with making unlawful threats against two government ministers. According to reports, Klominek stands accused of unlawful threats and aggravated unlawful threats against Migration Minister Johan Forssell and Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa (both Moderate Party). The charges reportedly relate to incidents where Klominek allegedly placed apples painted with Hitler mustaches outside Forssell's home and displayed a masked doll holding a knife and a bloodied doll head outside Dousa's address as a protest against migration policy.
Klominek has denied the charges. During a recent appearance on TV4's Nyhetsmorgon, Leif GW Persson stated he "completely and wholly" stands behind Klominek and shares his views on migration policy, describing the actions as an expression of free speech. The statements drew immediate criticism from several politicians, including Sweden Democrat leader Jimmie Åkesson, who reportedly suggested Persson should retire from television.
completely and wholly stands behind Klominek and shares his views on migration policy, describing the actions as an expression of free speech
In response, TV4 news chief Fredrick Malmberg defended Persson, stating that freedom of speech extends to strong, provocative criticism of those in power, and that Persson has the right to his opinions as the channel's legal policy expert. Malmberg confirmed that TV4 has no plans to ask Persson to retire, emphasizing that the channel should accommodate diverse viewpoints.
freedom of speech extends to strong, provocative criticism of those in power, and that Persson has the right to his opinions as the channel's legal policy expert
TV4 has no plans to ask Persson to retire, emphasizing that the channel should accommodate diverse viewpoints