Light manifestations were held across Sweden on Sunday evening to honor recently murdered women. In Malmö and Stockholm, hundreds gathered to light candles and observe a minute of silence following brutal attacks over the Christmas holiday. Organizers call for support against men's violence towards women.
On Sunday evening, January 4, 2026, light manifestations took place in several locations across Sweden to raise awareness and honor women subjected to violence and murder. The events responded to recent brutal attacks, including the killing of a 25-year-old woman in Rönninge outside Stockholm and a woman in her 50s in Boden, where her daughter was also seriously injured. In both cases, men with no connection to the victims are suspected.
In Malmö, police officer Terese Palm, who works on crimes in close relationships, organized a manifestation at Stortorget. Hundreds gathered to light candles and hold a minute of silence at 6 p.m. "It feels like the recent murders have made everyone put their foot down," Palm said. She emphasized the importance of men taking a stand: "Silence can be interpreted as acceptance." Artist Sandra Marielle performed and sang for those present.
In Stockholm, several hundred people assembled at Sergels torg for similar activities. One participant, Anders Blomberg, expressed frustration: "I can really relate to what happened in Rönninge; it could have been one of my daughters. But it's been like this for so long, and every time politicians say 'now we're going to do something about it' and nothing happens."
Among the speakers in Stockholm were Idol judge Katia Mossaly and several ministers. Similar manifestations occurred in Göteborg, Boden, Visby, Varberg, Värnamo, and Örnsköldsvik. Minutes of silence were observed simultaneously in multiple places nationwide to show solidarity with the victims and combat the violence.
