In recent years, the police have increased efforts to curb illegal predator hunting.
In recent years, the police in northern Västerbotten have implemented various strategies to combat illegal predator hunting. However, a group of reindeer herders within the Malå Sami village feel unfairly targeted during these inspections.
According to the herders, this discriminatory treatment has persisted for years, prompting the Swedish Sami National Association (SSR) to write to the police questioning the intensive surveillance.
SSR provided several examples in their letter. One reindeer herder described being approached by police officers with flashlights upon returning home from work. They were informed that the officers were investigating hunting crimes and inquired about the whereabouts of other reindeer herders.
Another herder reported being accosted by a police officer while hunting bears legally. The encounter was deeply unsettling for the herder.
A third incident involved a private individual who witnessed police activity and snowmobiles near a reindeer herding facility late at night, despite its remote location.
This includes reports of police helicopter flights around grazing reindeer, while other police vehicles have also been visible in the area.
All incidents are said to have occurred within a five-year period and have primarily affected a group of around five reindeer herders.
Norran has spoken with one of the affected herders, who feels that the situation has escalated over time and describes it as very distressing and sad.
– It creates stress. One feels persecuted. It becomes unsettling, says the reindeer herder, who has chosen to remain anonymous due to the risk of harassment.
It's particularly distressing when the police share photos on social media of locations frequented primarily by reindeer herders.
– Local residents then make comments like, 'Everyone knows who's behind the illegal hunting.' They're referring to us. We feel singled out and targeted, which is very scary.
But can you understand the police’s perspective, that they are just doing their job?
– Of course, the police should enforce the law and ensure everyone complies. However, this kind of harassment is unacceptable.
Jenny Wik Karlsson, head of operations and legal advisor at SSR, believes the increased police surveillance of reindeer herders is unjustified.
Karlsson describes the herders' situation as distressing and precarious, expressing concern about potential repercussions.
– The ongoing debate on Sami issues is already highly polarized, in the media, within communities, and in political circles. This harassment further exacerbates tensions and conflicts, says Karlsson.
Lars Westermark, the local police area manager, states that the police have been instructed to increase their efforts against illegal predator hunting in this area due to a decline in the predator population. He denies any additional surveillance of reindeer herders.
– It's regrettable if they feel that way. We have no intention of singling anyone out. There has been no preliminary investigation, and no one has been accused of wrongdoing. Our focus is on gathering information, says Westermark, before adding:
–Illegal hunting could be perpetrated by individuals from outside the region, including other parts of Sweden or even other countries.
Westermark says he is not aware of the specific incidents mentioned by SSR in their letter.
– But we can never avoid places where we suspect that crimes have occurred or are occurring. That is our duty; we must go there and check the situation. The most common approach is to talk to people. We also stop vehicles on roads; this applies to all crimes. That’s how we work,' he says.