Marie, who demonstrated for the climate as part of Rebellmammorna, has sued the state after losing her job as gas coordinator at the Swedish Energy Agency. The trial began today in Stockholm District Court. She argues the decision violates her freedom of speech.
Marie got the job in October 2023 after passing a security check where she was open about her climate engagement. Several months later, after a former employee tipped off about her links to Rebellmammorna, she was called in by boss Karl Björklund. She was offered to cut ties with the group to keep the position.
In court Marie described receiving death threats and facing a media storm after an article in Fokus magazine. She denied claims of disloyalty and said she has never been suspected of any crime. The state's lawyer argued instead that she failed to perform her duties.
Marie's lawyer Joakim Lindqvist stressed the need to protect public employees' right to demonstrate. He said the state wrongly links peaceful civil disobedience to threats against Sweden's security. The trial continues over the coming days.
