Sweden's aid agency Sida is seriously investigating claims that Swedish aid money has gone to an organization linked to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa has summoned Sida's director general to a meeting at the Foreign Ministry. A joint probe is underway with several countries to determine if any errors occurred.
The claims that Swedish aid money has reached an organization tied to the terrorist-designated Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad came from Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa (M). He told Aftonbladet that at least 55 million kronor have been paid to the Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) since 2011 through Sida. The funds were reportedly used, among other things, for police training led by Hamas in Gaza and panel discussions featuring representatives from Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Dousa expressed strong anger: 'How in hell could our money go to this organization?' He emphasized his responsibility: 'I am ultimately responsible, and that's why we will act. We will not allow a single Swedish tax krona to end up in the hands of terrorists or near terrorists.'
Sida's Director General Jakob Granit responds that the agency takes the allegations seriously. 'We are now reviewing all relevant material and previous assessments again to ensure that Swedish aid does not fund terrorism,' he writes in a statement. An investigation is being led by Denmark together with Sida, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, and Switzerland to assess any irregularities. Granit notes that Sida has established routines for risk management and follow-up to the Foreign Ministry (UD), but information flows should always be reviewed.
Communications Chief Maria Selin adds that Sida views reports of Hamas-linked individuals in co-funded civilian police training very seriously. No new support for ICHR is planned, and repayment may be demanded if rules were violated. ICHR has assured Sida that no funding went to Hamas or Islamic Jihad. Granit has been summoned to UD on Monday to answer questions, and the exact amount reaching terror groups remains unclear.