Sweden's foreign minister confirmed the deaths of a high-ranking diplomat who was recently arrested on suspicion of espionage, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his demise. An investigation into the death is underway, with no suspicious circumstances reported by police.
Diplomatic Tragedy: High-Ranking Swedish Diplomat Found Dead Under Suspicion of Espionage
Diplomatic Tragedy: High-Ranking Swedish Diplomat Found Dead Under Suspicion of Espionage
The unexpected death of a diplomat questioned for espionage has left Sweden in shock, prompting expressions of grief from government officials.
Sweden is grappling with an unsettling tragedy following the death of a high-ranking diplomat who was recently under investigation for alleged espionage. The diplomat, who had been arrested by the Swedish intelligence agency Säpo at his Stockholm flat on Sunday and subsequently released on Wednesday, was found deceased shortly after. Despite his arrest, he had maintained his innocence amid claims of wrongdoing, leaving officials and the community in turmoil.
Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard expressed deep sorrow, extending her condolences to the diplomat’s family, friends, and colleagues, emphasizing the difficult nature of the day for her team. She refrained from providing details about the ongoing investigation, while police noted that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the diplomat’s death.
Carl Bildt, a former foreign minister, mourned the loss of the "tragically deceased ambassador," highlighting his exceptional capabilities and dedication throughout his diverse roles within the foreign ministry. Reports suggest that he had spent extensive periods stationed outside Europe, with a recent post as an ambassador.
During his arrest, it was reported that authorities had forced entry into his flat, which raised questions regarding the method of arrest. The diplomat had sought medical care for injuries sustained during the incident and lodged a complaint regarding alleged excessive force used by the officers. His lawyer, Anton Strand, confirmed that the report of abuse was submitted to the special investigations unit, initiating a new inquiry.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports linked the investigation to the unexpected resignation of Sweden’s national security adviser, Tobias Thyberg, who stepped down shortly after sensitive images of him circulated anonymously on Grindr, a dating app.
Strand stated that he received the news of his client’s passing early on Friday and expressed his sympathies to the diplomat's grieving family. Prosecutor Per Lindqvist described the situation as "very regrettable," noting that the preliminary investigation into the espionage allegations remains unresolved. The diplomat, believed to be in his 50s, had recently returned to Sweden after a prolonged period abroad, further complicating the circumstances of his tragic death.
