Sweden: Allegations of widespread sexual assault at music festival

Event

The organizers of the Bravalla festival in Norrkoping have announced the cancelation of next year’s event amid reports of 11 cases of sexual abuse and one rape during this year’s June 28-July 1 event. Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven stated during a news conference that more surveillance, better policing, and a strong reprisal for the perpetrators is required to prevent sexual assaults at future events.

Context

The annual festival, which began in 2013, generally draws about 40,000 people.