The murder of Olof Palme

[xyntax]

On Feb 28th 1986, 20 years ago today, the prime minister of Sweden, Olof Palme, was shot down on a street in Stockholm. This was a huge blow in the face of ALL Swedes and it just escalated when the murderer was never found. It has often been said that Sweden lost its innocence at this moment. We had been watching the horrors of other countries and were comfortably convinced such things never happened in Sweden. And when this DID happen, and the police failed to catch the killer, every Swede had too look reality in the eyes and acknowledge that a new society was building up.

I was 4 years old, on the verge of being 5. Feb 28th was a Friday night so my parents turned on the TV as usual for the light Saturday morning entertainment aired during the 80ies (TV in Sweden during this period of time was pretty much a bad joke). Of course the only topic this morning was the murder, and I remember being caught by the astonishment around me. I knew who he was and I've never forgotten the moment my mother ran over to the TV turned on by my father to see what this was all about. I ran after her and just KNEW this was something quite different from anything before.

Today, 20 years after, this is still a very big deal in Sweden. There has been lots of attention all around, starting a couple of days ago in newspapers and TV. I was just wondering what YOU guys remember, if anything at all. Was this given any attention today? Or 20 years ago? Is it something you ever talk about like you talk about the murder of JFK (however not in the same "league")? Or did you read the topic thinking "who is this?"

If you want more info on the case I could probably scare something up. Might be just Swe text so I'll translate it if anyone is seriously interested.

[peacefulfrog]

Hey Xyntax!

First off, I hope you had a nice birthday! ;D

Just in reply to your post I would love any information that you have about Olof Palme -- only if you are digging it up for someone else though -- don't wanna be too much of a bother!

I admit I do not know anything about Olof Palme and his murder but when I get back home tomorrow I am going to do some research into his case.

Thanks in advance for any help.

- Ben.

[xyntax]

Hi Ben!

I had a very nice birthday, thank you

I will cruise the net for some info. I wrote an essay on the murder years ago so it's not a big deal for me to find something for you.

The thing about this case is that the man originally arrested and tried for the murder has died a couple of years ago - and I am convinced the killer will never be found. I am not at all sure it was him, but there was something strange about what he knew and didn't know, and with his death the chance of finding the killer was also buried if you ask me.

[judywaits4u]

I must admit that being as old as I am I remember this murder very well: However I have to say in all honesty that it did not have the same effect on me as when Tommy Jansson was killed after a track crash. Tommy was one of my all time speedway heros, not forgetting that he rode for my beloved Wimbledon Dons here in England.

Love and hugs,
Judy

[xyntax]

At least you remember it Judy Can't expect it to be a big thing to people but I was wondering if no one outside of Sweden even knew what I was talking about.

I googled a little and found this site that seems fairly accurate.

www.utb.boras.se/uk/se/projekt/history/articles/sweden/inworld6.htm

Let me know if you have any questions. I can find lots more in Swedish.

[peacefulfrog]

Hey Xyntax!

Sorry it took me so long to reply to this post but I have read it at last -- I haven't been coming on the message boards lately and have been a bit behind but I am back on here! Just wanted to say thanks again for that website it was interesting -- I have it saved to Favourites, when I get the time I will try and find out some more information about Olof Palme. It really caught my interest -- Thanks again for sharing!

- Ben.

[luca]

I am pretty sure that murderer was some finnish guy who was so drunk that he made a idenfication error and shot Palme instead his pal who stole last beer.

[xyntax]

Well, that's the first time I've heard THAT theory, Luca!

There was one trail called "the Finnish trail" based on 2 women who met a Finnish man mumbling about having killed Olof Palme, but they could never get their stories to fit together or present any evidence so this lead was quickly dropped.

A new theory is that Christer Pettersson, the man tried and found first guilty and then innocent, was sent out to kill a man in Stockholm who was one of the major drug dealers, and that he mistook him for Palme because he was intoxicated and high on drugs.

Ben, I'm happy you found this interesting from across the world
Like I said this still is a huge deal in Sweden, and it's interesting to know we are this alone about bothering about it. It's easy to get the impression this was a big thing world wide, but today I am convinced it is a forgotten murder.
Let me know if you need my help! Most of the good stuff is probably in Swedish so I can help you get more info on theories if you need it.