Former aid minister Isabella Lövin has branded it a 'complete scandal' that Sweden Democrats-linked Hepatica is channeling aid money to Brazil's IAC, which opposes abortion. Sida is requesting more details from Hepatica following DN's revelation, and aid minister Benjamin Dousa has not ruled out reclaiming the funds.
Sweden Democrats' aid organisation Hepatica has received 23 million kronor from Sida for a project training 350 young Latin American leaders in democracy issues. It partners with Brazil's Institute for Conservative Action (IAC), which opposes free abortion, promotes the 'natural family', and has ties to the Bolsonaro movement. Sida noted 'extreme' risks but disbursed the funds anyway. Following Dagens Nyheter's investigation, Sida is now requesting more information on the IAC partnership and will decide on next steps based on Hepatica's response. Hepatica's secretary general Stefan Dozzi stresses the focus on the joint project: 'If they have other writings, it doesn't affect what we're doing together.' Former aid minister Isabella Lövin (MP) warns that this undermines aid's principle of addressing the poor's needs and harms Sweden's international reputation, especially amid high global needs due to US USAID dismantling: 'It is a complete scandal.' RFSU secretary general Ingela Holmertz demands Sida investigate and halt funds to anti-abortion groups. Equality minister Nina Larsson (L) urges SD to address Hepatica's shortcomings. Social Democrats' party secretary Tobias Baudin criticises Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for weak leadership. Aid minister Benjamin Dousa (M) emphasises zero tolerance for actors undermining women's rights: 'It could become relevant to reclaim the money. Sida has several tools.' Hepatica has previously received over 14 million kronor.
