Sweden once again denies extradition of Kurds not involved in terrorist activities to Turkey

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson on Saturday reiterated her country’s refusal to extradite those Kurdish people who have not been involved in terrorist activities to Turkey.

Sweden and Finland have agreed to accept most of Turkey’s demands in return of its support for the Nordic countries’ NATO membership, including the extradition of dozens of Kurds wanted by Ankara for terror charges. 

The agreement has concerned many Swedish Kurds. However, the Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde said in June that they will not extradite anyone unless Turkey proves that these people are involved in terror activities.

Turkey has asked Sweden to repatriate some people, including Kurds, who it claims are affiliated to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Swedish Prime Minister Andersson said on Saturday they will stand up for Kurdish rights. 

“As long as I am prime minister in Sweden, we will always stand up for Kurdish rights, and I think it is very important to be clear: with the agreement we have with Turkey, we will not expel any people with Kurdish background and Swedish citizenship who is not part of terrorist activities, according to Swedish legislation.  So, anyone who is not doing a terrorist action according to Swedish legislation can be perfectly safe,” She told Rudaw’s Alla Shally. 

Some 100,000 Kurds live in Sweden, according to unofficial figures.