Riots in the suburbs of Stockholm continued and spread to new areas of the Swedish capital on Thursday, as Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt vowed to suppress violence, local media reported.
The riots that broke out in Husby on Sunday last over the death of a man in police firing, spread to more suburbs with rioters setting fire to vehicles. More than a dozen youngmen with criminal background had been arrested.
"We have groups of young people who believe that they can change the society with violence. We cannot let violence hold sway," Reinfeldt was quoted as saying in the local media. "There is a risk that it would continue. Now everyone must help to get back the peace," he added.
The riots started days after the local police shot dead a 69-year old man in Husby who allegedly threatened to kill them with a machete.
The areas where violence continued mostly have residents with an immigrant background and lower education, while the unemployment rate of the areas is also much higher than the average in Sweden.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com