In an announcement, Susanna Trehorning, deputy head of SAPO’s counterterror unit stated that the case had “international links to violent Islamist extremism.” Swedish public radio stated the suspects had hyperlinks to the Islamic State group.

Trehorning stated that Tuesday’s arrests got here following “extensive intelligence and investigative work “after the protests that were directed at Sweden in connection with the high-profile burning of the Quran in January and where there are international calls for attacks.” She informed Swedish broadcaster SVT that the suspects had been in ”a planning part” and that they “had not immediately thought of doing anything here and now.” In January, a far-right activist from Denmark acquired permission from police to stage a protest outdoors the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm the place he burned the Islamic holy guide.

That angered millions of Muslims around the world and triggered protests. NATO-member Turkey said it wouldn’t allow Sweden to join the military alliance so long as the Scandinavian nation permits such protests to happen. In Sweden, such demonstrations are protected by freedom of speech.

All NATO members must ratify of their parliaments the accession requests by Sweden.

Finland which sought NATO membership similtaneously Sweden is anticipated to hitch the alliance later Tuesday in any case 30 member states ratified the Finns’ accession request, however Turkey is holding out on ratifying Sweden’s membership.

In February, Swedish police denied permission for protests involving the burning of a Quran, fearing they may provoke terror assaults or assaults in opposition to Swedish pursuits.

On Tuesday, Sweden’s Administrative Court dominated that freedom of meeting and demonstration are constitutionally protected rights and overturned the police choice, saying safety threat issues weren’t sufficient to restrict the correct to reveal. (AP)