The number of anti-Semitic incidents reported in Sweden rose 57 percent last year, the national crime prevention council announced on Thursday.
In 2009, 250 anti-Semitic incidents were reported, primarily in the southern region of Skåne. During the same period, the overall number of hate crimes in Sweden did not increase.
“In 2009, 5,800 hate crimes were reported. Crimes against foreigners or with racist motives continue to dominate, and the reporting of anti-Semitic crimes has increased,” the council said in a statement. Oddly, the council said that they were not sure if there was an actual increase in incidents or reporting of incidents.
Just under ten percent of reported hate crimes in the country were attributed to white power groups, one-fourth of which are linked to organizations. The most common type reported crime was molestation and threats, followed by physical assault and defamation. Among anti-Semitic crimes, hate speech represented the most common type of incident.
