Two Swedish teenagers have been arrested at Copenhagen train station in connection with two explosions near the Israeli Embassy in the Danish capital. Prosecutors are investigating whether the motive behind the explosions could be a terror attack. The blasts, which occurred in a neighborhood housing several foreign diplomatic missions, did not result in any injuries. The nearby Jewish school was closed following the explosions. The suspects, aged 16 and 19, were ordered to be held in pre-trial detention for 27 days and faced preliminary charges of possessing illegal weapons and carrying five hand grenades. Two of the grenades exploded when thrown at a house near the embassy, causing damage to the roof terrace of a nearby house.
The suspects denied the charges and the hearing was held behind closed doors after the preliminary charges were read. The teenagers were arrested on a train at Copenhagen central station and a third suspect, aged 19, was released. In Denmark, the charges are one step short of formal charges, allowing authorities to keep criminal suspects in custody during an investigation. Additionally, shots were fired at the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm late Tuesday, with no injuries reported and no arrests made. The Danish domestic security service cited Swedish authorities in linking the act to Iran. The Swedish domestic security agency had previously accused Tehran of using criminal networks in Sweden to target Israeli or Jewish individuals.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen commented on the incidents, expressing concern over the rise of antisemitism in Europe. She acknowledged the dangers faced by the Jewish community and reassured that authorities are working to protect them. The Prime Minister condemned the growing antisemitism and emphasized the need to ensure the well-being of all citizens. The involvement of young criminals in carrying out actions targeting Jewish entities raised alarm in Denmark, with fears of similar occurrences in the country. The Prime Minister’s statement highlighted the importance of addressing and combatting antisemitism, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the Jewish minority in Denmark.
The explosions near the Israeli Embassy in Copenhagen sparked concerns about a potential terrorist attack, prompting investigations into the motive behind the incident. The blasts, which caused damage to nearby buildings, including the roof terrace of a house, did not result in any casualties. The suspects, who were found in possession of hand grenades, faced preliminary charges related to illegal weapons possession. The arrest of the Swedish teenagers at Copenhagen train station highlighted the collaboration between Danish and Swedish authorities to address security threats in the region. Additionally, the shooting at the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm raised further security concerns, underscoring the need for vigilance in protecting diplomatic missions and Jewish communities.
The connection between the incidents in Copenhagen and Stockholm and Iran’s alleged involvement through criminal networks in Sweden raised questions about the role of foreign entities in targeting Jewish individuals and institutions. The suspected influence of state actors on young criminals carrying out these actions prompted scrutiny of security measures and intelligence cooperation among European countries. Danish authorities expressed concerns about the potential for similar attacks to occur in Denmark, emphasizing the importance of preemptive measures to prevent such threats. The statements from security services and government officials underscored the need for heightened vigilance and coordination in countering terrorism and antisemitism in the region.
The response from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reflected a commitment to protecting the Jewish minority and combating rising antisemitism in Europe. Her condemnation of the attacks and reassurance of government efforts to ensure the safety of all citizens underscored the importance of fostering a secure environment for diverse communities. The Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of the challenges faced by the Jewish community highlighted the need for collective action to address discrimination and hate crimes. The incidents near the Israeli Embassy in Copenhagen and Stockholm served as reminders of the persistent threats posed by extremist ideologies and the importance of unity in defending shared values of tolerance and coexistence. By addressing security concerns and promoting social cohesion, authorities seek to safeguard vulnerable populations and uphold democratic principles in the face of external threats.
