SSU Leader Apologizes After Posing with Shawl Displaying Islamist Message
Stockholm, Sweden – Moska Hassa, chair of teh Swedish Social Democratic Youth League (SSU), has issued an apology after appearing in photographs with a shawl bearing a message perceived as extremist.The incident has sparked criticism from opposition politicians, who are questioning the judgment of Social Democrats’ prospective Foreign Minister, Morgan Johansson, for appearing alongside Hassa and the message.
The controversy centers on a demonstration where Hassa was gifted a shawl. She stated she did not notice the text on the garment before posing for photos.The message on the shawl has not been publicly detailed but is described as an “Islamist message” by Carl-Oskar Bohlin (M), a member of the Moderate Party. the incident raises concerns about the SSU’s stance on extremism and whether Johansson is aware of the views of those he associates with.
Hassa addressed the situation in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “At a demonstration on Thursday, I got a shawl from a person in place, and did not see the text on it. I have now been noticed on the text that neither I nor SSU stand behind. Therefore, want to be clear that this was a mistake.” She further affirmed the SSU’s support for a two-state solution and the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and freedom.
The incident occurs amid heightened scrutiny of political figures’ associations and statements regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. opposition figures are pressing Johansson to clarify his position and address whether he approves of the SSU reproducing messages deemed extremist.
