Swedish MPs green-light controversial US defense deal
Swedish MPs green-light controversial US defense deal
The deal gives the US access to 17 military bases and training areas in Sweden.
Why another defense deal with the US, when Sweden just joined NATO?
Because this deal gives US access to military based starting now. And can place soldiers there.
Just because Sweden is in NATO doesn't mean other NATO countries can place soldiers in Sweden during peacetime
Yes it does.
This NATO treaty already lays out the rights of troops and host countries:
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_17265.htm
There are plenty of provisions in NATO for stationing troops on each others' territory that don't require massive, far-reaching agreements. This DCA treaty goes above and beyond NATO standards, to the detriment to Swedish security and rule of law.
Just gonna point out that this treaty now makes this legal in sweden:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Okinawa_rape_incident
If you thought drunk tourists cause too much trouble, just wait for drunk 18 year old soldiers with diplomatic immunity.
From the link you posted:
The offenders were tried and convicted in Japanese court by Japanese law, in accordance with the U.S.–Japan Status of Forces Agreement.
So:
- not legal
- Criminals gonna crime
The US military protected heinous criminals in their ranks, and refused to hand them over for nearly an entire month. Consider the scale of the crime needed for Sweden to have any legal recourse here. Do you really think Ulf Kristersson is going to risk an international incident over some violent drunk soldier getting into a bar fight? No, that soldier will get arrested, flash his ID, and go home free.
The NATO SOFA treaty is sufficient for giving soldiers access to military bases, and it's what every other country in NATO has accepted. The US wants special privileges and exemption from Swedish law, and we just gave it to them.
Military Service Members do not have diplomatic immunity nor are they exempt from host nation laws and ordinances.
This treaty exempts US soldiers from Swedish law, unless the case is of "special importance", and the Swedish government explicitly requests the US to drop the exemption. Basically unless the soldier violently kills someone or worse, the Swedish police will have no authority. The legal grey area opened for violent crime is obvious.
Just gonna point out that this treaty now makes this legal in sweden:
Make what legal? Prosecuting rapists? Pretty sure they already have that in Sweden.