A halt for the legal process about the possibilities of filming protected objects

Large turnout during the negotiations at Solna District Court in the fall of 2024

We in the film collective RåFILM are very disappointed now that it is clear that the Supreme Court will not review the verdict against our colleague Alex for violating the so-called prohibition on the depiction of protected objects.

The legal process began last summer after Alex filmed a police station in Solna while working on a documentary. The District Court issued a guilty verdict, which we appealed. Many people got involved in the issue and joined in during the negotiations, which we are happy about.

Our opinion is that the changes to the constitution have made it more difficult for us to do our jobs, which includes following movements and scrutinizing power for our part. The lack of clarity around the practical application of the constitutional amendment also creates problems. The information on the signs outside protected objects with a photography ban is that it is possible to take photographs with a “special permit”. Today, there are no specific procedures for how to apply for a permit, either from the police or the county administrative board responsible for civilian protected objects.

Now both the Svea Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court have announced that they will not grant leave to appeal, which of course disappoints us since they have chosen not to appeal the new constitutional amendment in a higher instance than the district court. This leaves us documentary filmmakers and journalists to try to push the issue of constitutionally protected media's ability to scrutinize power on a political level.

During last year's campaign, you supported the collection with a whopping 21,574.60 SEK, to whom we would like to extend our warmest thanks! When we now compile the costs for public counsel (12,202 SEK) and daily fines (8,000 SEK + 1,000 SEK to the crime victim assistance center), we note that the funds collected cover the entire cost, which totaled 21,202 SEK. The remaining funds of 372.60 SEK will go, as planned, to the film that Alex was working on at the time; Rockin the Baltic Star.

So what happens now?

Get involved! Speak up, shout, clench your fist. Spread the word to a friend, talk to a neighbor or colleague, discuss in small groups: What are the difficulties associated with free media not being able to portray power in a free way?

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT!