In SVT's Aktuellt, lawyer Thomas Bodström debated Liberal MP Martin Melin on the new law against insulting public officials. Bodström deems it unnecessary and a waste of resources, while Melin highlights police protection needs. The law has prompted 710 reports in three months.
Sweden's new law on insulting public officials took effect on July 2, 2025, covering professions in public service, including police, security guards, and judges. Since then, 710 reports have been filed in the first three months. SVT reviewed 27 cases that reached court by September 30, with 12 resulting in judgments and nine convictions. Among them, 18 involved police, five security guards, one judge, one prison officer, and two social workers.
Court examples include an acquittal in Alingsås, where a heavily intoxicated young woman called officers "whores." The court found the term less offensive among youth and noted her intoxication. In Lilla Edet, a woman was convicted for wishing cancer on the officers' children, ordered to pay 10,000 SEK in damages to each of the two police.
Police opinions vary. Intervention officer Jens in Uppsala states: "You can't just brush off all words. It leaves marks working in patrol." He welcomes the law, saying it now feels worthwhile to report even minor incidents to test boundaries. Area officer Viktor Adolphson in Stockholm's Södermalm plans to report only severe cases: "You can call me a lot."
In the October 14 Aktuellt debate, former Justice Minister Thomas Bodström sharply criticized the law: "It is one of Sweden's most unnecessary laws and it should never have passed." He argues existing laws already cover insults and that officers should contextualize encounters with intoxicated or mentally ill individuals: "Then I don't think one should feel so offended, but rather understand the situation and not take it personally."
Liberal MP and former police officer Martin Melin defended it: "The police job today is very complex and difficult." He noted courts sometimes rule officers must tolerate insults and shared being spat on without prosecution: "There are even courts that think police should tolerate humiliations and insults."
The law has sparked debate on balancing official protection and free speech, with court insults including "pig bastard," "whore," and "Nazi."