September 11, 2003
I'm shocked and saddened by the brutal murder of Anna Lindh, Sweden's foreign minister last night in Stockholm.
The murder of any public figure is abhorrent, and reminds us of the vulnerability inherent in public life, but it seems particularly brutal in Sweden, a society so wonderfully open and where a sense of mutual trust still governs large swathes of public life.
Anna Lindh first drifted into my consciousness as Sweden's intelligent, stylish and graceful foreign minister at the time of her country's presidency of the European Council, and I'd been a big fan ever since. I'm sure that there are many around the world who will miss her.
I too was stunned this morning when I read that Anna Lindh had died of the injuries she sustained yesterday in a brutal knife attack in a department store.
Last night it seemed that, although more seriously wounded than initially reported, all would be well.
I hope that this tragic event does not lead to a reduction in the trust and openess that you mention, as seems to be happening throughout the rest of the world under the pretence of combatting terrorism.
Posted by: Shyboy at September 11, 2003 9:36 AM