It is too early to say what is behind the violence and riots of recent days, but according to Manne Gerell, associate professor of criminology at Malmö University, one can draw conclusions from previous events.
- Those who take part in riots tend to have committed crimes before, most often they do not make their debut with this type of violence, he says.
Several groups participate
He also believes that there are usually several different groups participating, and for several different reasons.
- Some are outraged that Islam is violated, and often the spark starts there.
But it quickly attracts people who are upset and think it is a bit exciting and fun, often it is young men with an immigrant background in vulnerable areas who are not so fond of authorities and the police.
It has partly to do with the fact that the police have a large presence and stop and control many, which affects everyone - both criminals and ordinary citizens.
Many police officers have reacted and feel like targets for violence, is this a new phenomenon?
- The police may feel that it is new, but we have seen similar things before.
Ten years ago, we had big riots in the country, but since then it has been quite calm and then you have got used to that work environment, says Manne Gerell.
"A little unusual"
In previous acts of violence, it has previously been some police or authority that has done "something stupid", or that they have rumored to have done something that upset, which has been a triggering factor for the violence.
- Paludan has really succeeded, it is normal for the authorities to do something that makes it ignite, but here Rasmus Paludan seems to be the igniting spark and it is a bit unusual, says Manne Gerell.
After the violent riots during the Easter weekend, a 16-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of violent riots in Malmö.
- It says quite a lot that a 16-year-old has been so driving in a violent riot, says Petra Stenkula, chief of police in Malmö.