Markus Wiechel, Foreign Policy Spokesperson of the Swedish Democrats party, submitted a written motion to the parliament on February 1, demanding that Sweden put the crimes of the Turkish state against humanity in Afrin on the agenda of the United Nations and take steps to prosecute the criminals.

Responding to Wiechel's motion, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde stated that she agreed with the parliamentarian's view that there was not enough attention to the situation in Afrin. Linde pointed out that the violence inflicted on the people was very high and that those who left the city after the occupation in 2018 are still unable to return, and reports have been received from the region showing that discriminatory treatment against Kurds and Yazidis continues.

Linde said she disagreed with Wiechel’s argument that Sweden does not react to the occupation. She reminded that Sweden has brought the invasion of Afrin to the international agenda and to the Human Rights Council of the United Nations many times.

Linde said that the United Nations Syrian Investigation Commission closely monitors the war crimes and systematic violations of the gangs supported by the Turkish state in Afrin. “Sweden's Special Representative for Syria has visited Afrin residents in camps in Northeast Syria since 2018 and met with their managers to determine their needs,” she added.

Linda pointed out that Turkey's Afrin invasion led to a worsening of the humanitarian situation and an escalation of the conflicts, noting that Sweden together with Kuwait applied to the UN Security Council immediately after the invasion for the announcement of a ceasefire.

Linda said Sweden decided to stop arms sales to Turkey immediately after Turkey invaded Afrin, adding that Sweden will continue to bring the invasion of Afrin to the agenda of the European Union and the United Nations.