The Shock of the Murder of Anna Lindh
2003/09/18
Ms. Anna Lindh, the Foreign Minister of Sweden was murdered.
Wednesday, September 10th, 2003. Ms. Lindh was assaulted by a man with a knife. She was brought to Karolinska Hospital, but died 5:29 next morning. She was only 46 years old and left her husband, Mr. Bo Homberg, and two children.
According to thearticle of Dagens Nyhter, the internal bleeding from the liver was stabilized by emergent operation, however her respiration and circulation collapsed suddenly at 4:30, and her life could not be saved.
On the next day, I was aboard a flight to Stockholm due to a previously arranged business. My mood was so blue, being reminded of the murder of Prime Minister Olof Palme on February 28, 1986. The murderer is not yet arrested despite many speculation about the background of the case.
The sky of the Stockholm was gray as if representing the mood of the city. Everywhere candles were lit and flowers were placed to memorize the late Ms. Lindh. I myself was in the midst of an indescribable feeling of anger.
Ms. Lindh didn't like to go with bodyguards, as Mr. Palme didn't. She was quite popular among Swedish people. Tragedy, again.
According to news, Prime Minister Mr. Goran Person told that this is a challenge to open society. And, this is not the first time to hear the words.
On September 17th, brought was a news that a 35 years old Swedish man was arrested being suspected for the murder of Ms. Lindh.
At present, it is not clear what is the motive and the background of the murder. The relationship with the national referendum to Euro has been discussed, but the truth is not known. The result of the national referendum on September 14th was "No" to Euro. It is unclear whether the death of Ms. Lindh affected the result or not.
As the information available in Japan is limited, I dared to write about this at my site. I feel quite ashamed for the comments by a Japanese politician justifying terrorist act made a few days prior to the murder of Ms. Lindh. Here, I have put some pictures I took at Stockholm.
May Ms. Lindh's soul rest in peace.
Crowds at Sergerstorg.
NK.
The site at the first floor.
Ms. Lindh was enjoying shopping when she was assaulted.
Portrait of Ms. Lindh at the entrance.
Flowers were piled up in front of the building.
A half-masted flag.
At Central station.
The guard invited me to come in when I was gazing the messages in front of Rosenbadet.
Rosenbadet in silence.
Riksdags.
Copyright (C) 2003, Takashi Murata, All rights reserved