Sweden Democrats' rhetoric against Islam goes beyond mere statements

A recent statement by Richard Jomshof, a prominent figure in Sweden's Sweden Democrats (SD) party, has ignited controversy and highlighted the party's increasingly assertive stance against Islam. When asked by Dagens Nyheter (DN) if he had a message for peaceful Muslims in Sweden, Jomshof responded, "They can just stop being Muslim."

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They can just stop being Muslim.

This remark, the article contends, is not an isolated incident but part of a broader strategy by the SD to create an environment where it is increasingly difficult for Muslims to live in Sweden. The author argues that Jomshof's statement directly challenges the fundamental right to religious freedom, suggesting that individuals exercising this right may face repercussions from the party's rhetoric.

Jomshof has a history of making critical remarks about Islam and Muslims on social media, labeling Islam as a "hateful ideology and religion" that has no place in Sweden. He has also promoted conspiracy theories about Swedes becoming a minority in their own country. His upcoming book on Islam is expected to be a central element of the SD's campaign for the 2026 elections.

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Islam is a hateful ideology and religion that has no place in our country.

The article points to a seemingly coordinated campaign by the SD, involving both national and local party organizations, aimed at reducing the Muslim presence in Sweden. This includes proposals for a total ban on headscarves, which the party classifies as "Islamist attire," and calls from party leader Jimmie Åkesson to halt the construction of new mosques, demolish existing ones, and remove minarets and crescents. Both Åkesson and the youth wing leader, Denice Westerberg, have suggested that it is incompatible to be both a devout Muslim and Swedish.

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Swedes are on the way to becoming a minority in their own country.

The piece contrasts the SD's position with the principle of religious freedom enshrined in Sweden, where the state and politicians are not meant to interfere with individuals' religious beliefs. It notes that these sentiments are not new, referencing past statements by Åkesson dating back to 2009, where he described Muslims as Sweden's greatest foreign threat and raised concerns about the growing Muslim population.

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Muslims are our greatest foreign threat.