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How Peaceful Sweden Became Europe’s Gun-Murder Capital

Sweden, usually known as a peaceful welfare state, has become Europe's gun-homicide hot spot due to gang violence. Turf wars for control of drug trade and influx of guns have resulted in a gun-homicide rate approximately 2½ times the European average.

1 min read
  • Turf wars for control of drug trade leading to gun-homicide rate 2.5 times European average.
  • Stockholm's gun-murder rate per capita is about 30 times higher than London's.
  • Notorious gang leader, Rawa Majid, known as the Kurdish Fox, is directing much of the violence from Turkey.
  • Sweden's extradition requests for Majid have been rebuffed by Turkey.
  • Most shootings taking place among individuals from migrant backgrounds fueling right-wing populism.
How Peaceful Sweden Became Europe’s Gun-Murder Capital
Scandinavia’s answer to Pablo Escobar orchestrates much of the growing violence from Turkey
WSJSune Engel Rasmussen

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