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UNREST IN STOCKHOLM

RIOTS

US and UK issue travel warnings for Sweden

The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for Sweden after arsonists tore through several Stockholm suburbs, while Americans have been warned to stay out of the affected areas by their embassy.

US and UK issue travel warnings for Sweden

“Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence,” an email sent to US nationals living in Sweden cautioned on Friday.

“We recommend that US citizens avoid the areas where such demonstrations are occurring if possible, and, as always, exercise caution in the vicinity of any parades or protests.”

While the email cited Swedish police, who had told them the situation was contained, the embassy nonetheless sent out a list of suburbs to avoid, including Husby, Tensta, Kista, Rinkeby, and Fittja.

The British also urged caution.

“You should avoid large gatherings, take care and monitor local news reports,” the Foreign Office stated on its website.

“There have been riots in the suburbs of Stockholm every night since 19 May. Suburbs affected so far are Husby, Hagsätra, Rågsved, Skogås.”

The foreign office said that almost 600,000 Brits visited Sweden last year, and said most visits had been incident-free.

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FOOTBALL

French prosecutors demand jail term for Russian accused of leaving England football fan with brain damage

French prosecutors on Friday called for a 15-year prison sentence for one of two Russians accused of beating a British supporter during Euro 2016, an attack that left him with brain injuries.

French prosecutors demand jail term for Russian accused of leaving England football fan with brain damage
Russian fans light flares at the match against England in 2016.. Photo: AFP

One prosecutor, Christophe Raffin, asked for the “legal maximum… between 14 and 15 years” for Pavel Kossov, who is accused of throwing the first punch at 55-year-old Andrew Bache.

Bache was injured in the violence that broke out before England played Russia in the southern French port city of Marseille on June 11th, 2016.

The second Russian on trial in Aix-en-Provence, Mikhail Ivkine, stands accused of throwing a chair at the victim, with prosecutors asking for a potential suspended sentence of up to five years.

He has claimed he was defending himself.

“No, it wasn't legitimate self-defence, it was illegitimate use of force against Andrew Bache,” Raffin said of the violence.

 

Police give emergency aid to Andrew Bache following clashes in the city of Marseille. Photo: AFP

The prosecutors said the Russians were part of a group of about 150 men, many with martial arts training, who wrought havoc in Marseille.

Bache, from Portsmouth in southern England, has no memory of the events and is too frail to attend the trial.

His son Harry, who nurses his father, is representing him in court.

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