A few weeks ago, a video was circulated across the globe claiming that Muslims in Sweden had attacked an Eritrean community festival in Stockholm. However, a thorough fact-check reveals that the incident had nothing to do with religion, and the disinformation was spread by many accounts to promote their one side agenda and portray a particular community negatively.
False Claims and Disinformation:
Misleading accounts, including those of “@raviagrawal3, @AshwiniSahaya, @wokeflix_, @ajaychauhan41, @MrSinha_” propagated the video, falsely attributing the incident to Muslims attacking the Eritrean festival. These propaganda accounts aimed to target a specific community and portray them negatively, even though the actual protesters were non-Muslim.
The Actual Incident:
The incident involved opponents of the Eritrean government who stormed an event organized by regime supporters in Stockholm. Over 1,000 anti-government demonstrators, authorized for a protest nearby, broke through police barriers, tore down festival tents, and set booths and vehicles on fire. Police detained around a hundred people amid violent riots. A total of 52 individuals required medical attention due to injuries sustained during the clashes.
Background of the Eritrean Festival and aftermath of the incident:
Sweden hosts an annual festival celebrating Eritrean cultural heritage. However, the event has faced criticism for allegedly serving as a promotional tool and source of funds for Eritrea’s repressive government. The festival has roots dating back to the 1990s. Human rights groups describe Eritrea as one of the world’s most repressive countries, led by President Isaias Afwerki, who has never held an election. Gunnar Strömmer, Sweden’s justice minister, emphasized that the incident shouldn’t drag Sweden into other countries’ domestic conflicts. He pointed out that individuals seeking refuge in Sweden must not bring violence with them.
Conclusion:
Our team conducted a comprehensive analysis and fact checked the claim, and the corresponding Twitter thread is embedded below. Moreover, detailed coverage of the entire festival incident and its underlying issues can be found on popular news media portal, ‘The Guardian.’
The video circulating false claims about Muslims attacking an Eritrean festival in Stockholm is misleading. The incident was driven by opposition to the Eritrean government, unrelated to religion. This case underscores the importance of verifying information before drawing conclusions and the need to avoid spreading misinformation that can harm communities and sow discord.
In our pursuit of accurate and unbiased information, we’ve diligently fact-checked the claims surrounding the incident. Misinformation can sow discord and disrupt communal harmony. Your support matters greatly in our mission to foster an informed and united society. Together, let’s strive to make India and Indians proud, upholding truth and unity. Jai Hind.
