It was on Thursday that Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) had to flee from an interpellation debate after Palestine activists in the audience threw a bag of tomatoes and red onion at her.
The bag flew over the members sitting in the chamber and landed two seats behind the Foreign Minister.
It is completely unacceptable and something we take very seriously. We acted very quickly and had good cooperation with the police. At the same time, one can conclude that there is room for individuals to commit crimes and affect the democratic process, says Niklas Åström.
Bags are scanned
Visitors to the Riksdag building pass through a security check where bags are X-rayed for weapons and other dangerous objects, and it is also not allowed to bring outerwear and water bottles into the audience gallery.
That the public has access to the chamber is something we value highly and we do everything we can to prevent, detect and handle serious security incidents, says Niklas Åström.
Three people were arrested in connection with the incident and handed over to the police. Both Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) and the Speaker of the Riksdag Andreas Norlén have condemned the attack. The Speaker calls the activists' actions "directly antidemocratic" and Kristersson demands powerful measures to maintain security.
Ongoing adjustments
Security is prioritized in the Riksdag, but there is always reason to be self-critical. We make ongoing adjustments to our security work and are currently following up on what happened, both what preparations we made before yesterday's debate and how the incident was handled, says Niklas Åström.
Can this affect the public's access to the audience gallery?
I can conclude that the public has access today according to law, but I rule out nothing. It is unacceptable that individuals or groups can carry out such disruptions, and in a threatening manner.
According to information from Ekot in Sveriges Radio, the party group leaders are to have an extra meeting on Monday to discuss security in the Riksdag. Among other things, there are proposals to set up a plexiglass screen between the audience and the members.
