Sweden Charges Man With Attempted Extortion, Terrorist Financing On Behalf Of PKK

Days after implementing a counterterrorism bill, Sweden charged a man on Friday with "attempted aggravated extortion, an aggravated weapons offence, and attempted terrorist financing," stating that he was acting on behalf of the PKK terrorist group.

This marks the first prosecution in Sweden related to alleged financing of the PKK.

The Swedish government's response to the PKK has been a contentious issue in their bid to join NATO, which Turkey has not yet approved, accusing Sweden of inadequate action against PKK members.

The NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania next month will require the ratification of Sweden's bid by all existing members, with Turkey and Hungary being the only two that have not yet ratified it.

The man charged on Friday is in his 40s, and prosecutors have chosen not to disclose his identity.

According to the charge sheet obtained by The Associated Press (AP), he is accused of attempting to extort money in Stockholm on January 11 by using a loaded revolver, firing in the air, and threatening to cause harm unless the demanded funds were received the following day.

The Swedish news agency TT reported that the man denies any wrongdoing.