A Swedish MEP of Iraqi descent has lodged a formal complaint with authorities in Sweden accusing a Danish colleague of racist hate speech and related offenses. The incident stems from parliamentary proceedings last month in which right-wing lawmakers chanted “send them back” following a vote on deportation measures across the European Union.
Abir Al-Sahlani, representing the Centre party, subsequently addressed the parliament to criticize the chanting as unacceptable behavior by what she characterized as far-right politicians. She described the experience as making her feel unsafe within the institution and noted that the chants targeted ordinary people seeking improved circumstances in Europe. Following her remarks, two right-wing populist MEPs responded through social media channels. Sebastian Tynkkynen of the Finnish party and Kristoffer Storm of the Denmark Democrats both posted comments that Al-Sahlani and her supporters view as inappropriate responses.
Al-Sahlani’s complaint specifically named Storm, with Swedish authorities determining insufficient clarity regarding how to address Tynkkynen’s online statement. Both legislators have denied accusations of racist or hateful conduct. Storm stated his remarks were neither racist in intent nor reasonably characterized as such, while Tynkkynen labeled the allegations false and indicated plans to file his own complaint.
The episode has drawn attention to broader tensions within the European parliament, where far-right and populist lawmakers now comprise approximately one-quarter of the chamber membership, described as a record proportion. Al-Sahlani’s statements received backing from her parliamentary group, Renew Europe, with leadership calling for institutional consequences. Parliament President Roberta Metsola characterized the incidents as regrettable and stated zero tolerance for conduct that compromised member respect or institutional dignity. The parliament’s administrative services are examining the matter, with Metsola subsequently addressing lawmakers to condemn the aggressive behavior witnessed during the proceedings.