Västtrafik has decided to remove the Sweden Democrats’ election ads from buses in Skaraborg after about twenty bus drivers of Somali background called in sick in protest. The drivers state that the ads constitute the criminal offense of “incitement against an ethnic group.” Tobias Andersson, a top SD representative who is also chairman for SD Skaraborg, commented that the party’s election campaign is being hindered, stating: “Apparently, Somali bus drivers get to decide what can be communicated in Swedish elections.”
The ads on the buses in Skaraborg are part of the Sweden Democrats’ election campaign ahead of the parliamentary, regional, and municipal elections this fall, highlighting the party’s policy on repatriation grants. This is communicated with the message:
“Do you miss Mogadishu? The repatriation grant helps you go home.”
Sveriges Radio P4 Skaraborg has reported that about 20 bus drivers of Somali background are protesting against the campaign by calling in sick and thus refraining from driving the affected buses.
The Somali bus drivers claim that the message constitutes “incitement against an ethnic group” when a political party urges maladjusted immigrants to return to their home countries with a compensation of up to 350,000 kronor from taxpayers’ money.
Complaints from the Somalis have now led to Västtrafik deciding to remove the ads. Maria Björner Brauer, business area manager for marketing at Västtrafik, states that the bus drivers feel “afraid.”
– The drivers have been afraid of harassment and verbal abuse, Björner Brauer told SR, continuing:
– It’s a risk for the work environment and a risk for vandalism. We have a rule that says if such a risk exists, we stop the ad. We must do that. It can’t be the case that it should be risky, either for those who work in public transport or for those who travel with us.
But neither Västtrafik nor Sveriges Radio have provided any concrete examples of the “risky” situations cited as reasons for the decision.
“Get to decide what is communicated in Swedish elections”
Tobias Andersson, chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Industry and Trade, commented on the conflict earlier this evening on social media.
“Apparently, Somali bus drivers get to decide what can be communicated in Swedish elections.”
In an additional comment to Sveriges Radio, he described Västtrafik’s decision and the reference to “risky” situations as a way to justify censorship.
Samnytt has contacted the SD top representative to ask questions about the situation.