Why is Swedish chief epidemiologist threatened to die?

Swedish national television SVT reported that the headquarters of this institution is protected by police officers.

Health authorities have been constantly receiving e-mails, phone calls and postings in social media since the beginning of the pandemic. Although in most cases these are only attitudes, there are also threats of assault.

The attacks and threats escalated and directed mainly to people from the Public Health Agency that appeared in public, including the leading epidemiologist of the State Anders Tegnell and microbiologist Karin Tegmark Wiswell.

In December alone, Tegnell, considered leader of the Swedish model of fighting COVID-19, received about 80 e - mails, some of which threatened his family.

One of the email posts suggested that Tegnell be punished “in a possible broadcast on national television”.

Agency Executive Director Johann Carlson said threats began in the spring and targeted the spokesman. But they have escalated and we feel them every day,” He said.

A unique Swedish approach to combating COVID-19 involving a milder and unpainted blockades polarised the country. Sweden, a country of 10 million people, recorded 62,000 cases of infection and more than 12,500 deaths -- the largest number among Scandinavian countries.

Many called for tougher measures and criticised authorities for failing to protect vulnerable and elderly citizens.