A Swedish MEP of Iraqi descent has filed a police complaint with authorities in Sweden against a Danish colleague, alleging racist hate speech and harassment following a confrontation in the European Parliament. The dispute stems from an incident in which rightwing MEPs chanted “send them back” after a vote on deportation legislation. The Swedish legislator subsequently addressed parliament, characterizing the chants as xenophobic and expressing concern for her safety within the institution.
Following her parliamentary remarks, the Swedish MEP faced social media responses from two rightwing populist politicians. A Finnish MEP responded dismissively to a video of her speech, while the Danish MEP told her to “go home.” The Swedish legislator determined that the Danish MEP’s comments constituted hate speech and filed a formal complaint, though she stated that Swedish police were uncertain how to proceed regarding the Finnish MEP’s post.
Both accused lawmakers have rejected the allegations. The Danish MEP stated his comments were not racist, explaining they were meant to suggest she leave the chamber to reflect rather than continue debate. The Finnish MEP described accusations against him as false. He indicated plans to file his own complaint but provided no additional details.
The incident has drawn attention to broader tensions within the European Parliament, where far-right and populist parties now represent approximately one-quarter of all members—a record proportion. The Swedish MEP’s colleagues in her parliamentary group and the institution’s leadership have expressed support for her, with the parliament’s president calling the behavior unacceptable and promising corrective measures. International human rights organizations have criticized the deportation legislation that triggered the initial confrontation.