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UNREST IN STOCKHOLM

FIRE

First conviction handed down after Husby riots

A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to prison for his role in the unrest that plagued Husby and other Stockholm suburbs in May, making him the first person to be convicted in connection to the disturbances that sparked headlines across the globe.

First conviction handed down after Husby riots

The man was sentenced on Thursday to six months in prison for aggravated vandalism after he set two cars on fire in late May.

He was also convicted of making illegal threats, unlawful driving, drunk driving, and drug crimes, according to Sveriges Radio (SR).

In addition, the 26-year-old has been ordered to pay 100,000 kronor ($15,000) in damages.

IN PICTURES: See the damage from the Husby fires

The convicted man was previously known by police and was on probation at the time of the attacks, which took place in the second half of May this year.

SEE ALSO: Read more stories from the Husby unrest

The unrest, which began in Husby and spread to other Stockholm suburbs, was believed to have been sparked by the killing of a 69-year-old machete-wielding man by police officers.

An estimated 100 cars were torched on the first night of the attacks, and the week of unrest that ensured left store windows smashed and schools scorched. Police officers and fire fighters were also pelted with stones on several occasions.

While the following nights of unrest were not as severe as the first, the continued violence and vandalism attracted the attention of the world media, and raised questions about segregation problems between Stockholm’s inner and outer suburbs.

TT/The Local/og

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FIRE

Situation ‘unstable’ at Copenhagen’s old stock exchange after fire

Three days after a fire which ravaged Copenhagen's historic former stock exchange broke out, emergency services said Friday that the situation was "unstable" due to equipment issues and a strong breeze.

Situation 'unstable' at Copenhagen's old stock exchange after fire

In the morning, during work to dismantle the scaffolding surrounding the building, a crane’s cutters came loose for as of yet unknown reasons.

It is currently wedged between the scaffolding — put up for the renovation of the historic building that was ongoing — and what remains of the walls.

“It is affecting our efforts”, Tim Ole Simonsen, leader of the operation at the rescue services, told a press conference.

Coupled with the wind picking up, the incident, which has temporarily halted work on dismantling the scaffolding, has made the situation “unstable”.

“The wind is blowing harder and harder, and there are tarps over the scaffolding that can catch the wind,” Simonsen said.

He added that this increases the risks, in particular of further collapse of the burnt-out facade which started collapsing late Thursday afternoon.

Located close to the Christiansborg parliament and seat of government, the Borsen building was commissioned by King Christian IV and built between 1619 and 1640. It was the stock exchange until the 1970s.

The fire began Tuesday morning under the copper roof of the building, which was undergoing renovations ahead of its 400th anniversary.

The cause of the blaze was unknown and Copenhagen police said Wednesday that a major investigation had been launched.

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