It must have started with pro-violence Islamist organizations that spread false information that Swedish authorities are kidnapping children.
The rumors have since gained momentum and gained a foothold on social media, which now creates upset feelings among parts of the Arabic-speaking population in Sweden.
Athar Alak has followed the misleading reporting in the Arabic-language media with concern.
- You get an image that the social services kidnap the children, you expose them to abuse, you separate them unjustifiably from their families and that this is directed and systematic.
Anxious parents respond: "No need to worry"
When SVT meets Athar Alak, she has just ended a conversation with a mother who said that she is afraid of losing her children.
- It is a fantastic mother with fantastic children, says Athar Alak who explained to the mother that there is no reason to worry.
Athar Alak's law firm is frequently involved in matters concerning family law.
She has extensive experience of cases where parents for various reasons are not considered able to take care of their children.
- If you are a suitable parent who meets the children's need for care and care, there is no authority in Sweden that takes their children away from them, she says.
Points to other shortcomings
But Athar Alak is also critical of how cases are handled.
- It is not ensured that there are good interpreters and that the information is not as accessible as it could be, she says:
- We have legal systems that for the most part work.
There are incorrect decisions and assessments, but in most cases there is a basis for different decisions from authorities.