Key facts
- Swedish MEP Abir Al-Sahlani filed a police complaint against Danish MEP Kristoffer Storm.
- The complaint alleges racist hate speech following social media exchanges.
- The incident occurred after rightwing MEPs chanted 'send them back' post-deportation vote.
- Storm's comment to Al-Sahlani was 'she should go home'.
- Finnish MEP Sebastian Tynkkynen also made a critical social media comment.
- Both accused MEPs deny the allegations.
A Swedish Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Abir Al-Sahlani, has filed a police complaint in Sweden against a Danish MEP, Kristoffer Storm, accusing him of racist hate speech. The complaint follows social media exchanges after Al-Sahlani condemned chants of 'send them back' by rightwing MEPs in the European Parliament after a vote on increased deportations.
Al-Sahlani, who is of Iraqi origin, stated that the chants represented a 'new low' and made her feel unsafe. Following her remarks, Storm, of the Denmark Democrats, commented on social media that she 'should go home'. Another MEP, Sebastian Tynkkynen from Finland's Finns party, responded to a clip of Al-Sahlani's speech with 'Cry more'.
Al-Sahlani confirmed she filed the complaint specifically against Storm, as Swedish police were uncertain how to address Tynkkynen's post. Both Storm and Tynkkynen have denied the accusations of racism and hate speech.
Storm explained his 'go home' remark was intended to suggest Al-Sahlani reflect on the democratic decision rather than accuse opponents. Valérie Hayer, leader of Al-Sahlani's Renew Europe group, expressed strong support and called for disciplinary action against both men, stating racism has no place in the institutions. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola acknowledged the incidents as 'regrettable' and assured that appropriate action would be taken, emphasizing zero tolerance for behavior that undermines the dignity of the institution.