Swedish FM dies of wounds
2003-09-11 09:37
Stockholm - Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh died on Thursday, a day after being stabbed by an unknown assailant in Stockholm, a spokesperson for the Karolinska hospital told AFP.
Lindh had been stabbed in the arm, abdomen and chest while shopping at a downtown department store.
Lindh, one of her country's most admired politicians, died following massive internal bleeding caused by her injuries, Karolinska hospital said.
She died at 05:29, it said.
"It is with great sorrow that I received the news that Anna Lindh has died of the injuries she suffered," Prime Minister Goeran Persson told reporters.
"It feels unreal, it is hard to understand," said Persson, his voice cracking with emotion.
Government officials had previously described Lindh's condition as critical, but not life-threatening.
Her liver had been damaged in the attack, causing internal bleeding.
The attack on Lindh, who was without a bodyguard when attacked, brought back memories of the assassination of former prime minister Olof Palme as he was leaving a cinema in downtown Stockholm in 1986.
It has also sparked debate on whether Swedish top politicians are well enough protected.
"Our country is known for its openness," and Sweden enjoys great proximity between its leaders and the people, Persson said at the news conference.
Sweden is a "tolerant society that is unique in its closeness", he said.