Assassination of Olof Palme

Assassination of Olof Palme

The Assassination of Olof Palme occurred on February 28, 1986, in Stockholm, Sweden. Olof Palme, the then Prime Minister of Sweden, was fatally shot while walking home from a cinema with his wife, Lisbet Palme. The murder took place on the central Stockholm street Sveavägen. Despite extensive investigations, the case remained unsolved for many years, leading to widespread speculation and numerous conspiracy theories regarding the identity and motive of the assassin.

Background

Olof Palme was a prominent figure in Swedish politics, serving as the Prime Minister from 1969 to 1976 and again from 1982 until his assassination in 1986. He was a member of the Swedish Social Democratic Party and was known for his outspoken stance on various international issues, including opposition to the Vietnam War and apartheid in South Africa, which made him both a revered and controversial figure globally.

The Assassination

On the evening of February 28, 1986, after attending a cinema to see the film The Mozart Brothers with his wife, without any bodyguard protection, Palme was shot in the back at close range at 23:21 CET. His wife, Lisbet Palme, was also injured in the attack but survived. The immediate aftermath of the assassination saw a massive police operation and an outpouring of grief from the Swedish public and international community.

Investigation

The investigation into Palme's murder is one of the largest in global police history. It was marred by early mistakes, including the contamination of the crime scene and the pursuit of incorrect leads. Over the years, several individuals were questioned and one, Christer Pettersson, was convicted in July 1989, only to be acquitted later by an appeals court due to lack of evidence.

Despite the passage of time, the investigation remained active, with the Swedish police following up on new leads and theories. The complexity of the case, coupled with the Cold War context of the 1980s, fueled numerous theories regarding the motive and identity of the assassin, ranging from domestic political extremists to foreign intelligence agencies.

Recent Developments

In June 2020, Swedish prosecutors announced that they had identified the likely assassin as Stig Engström, also known as "Skandia Man", who had died by suicide in 2000. Engström, who worked nearby the murder scene, had previously been considered a witness. However, due to his death, no legal action could be taken, and many questions remain unanswered.

Legacy

The assassination of Olof Palme had a profound impact on Sweden, shaking the nation's sense of security and altering its political landscape. It remains a subject of significant interest and speculation, reflecting the enduring mystery surrounding the case and the legacy of Palme's political career.