Swedish anti-homophobia campaigner Showan Shattak is in a critical condition after being stabbed and beaten on Saturday.
It is alleged that Shattak was attacked by a neo-nazi gang after he attended an International Women’s Day event in Malmo. Shattak is well known in Sweden for setting up group that fights against homophobia in football. Alongside Shattak, three other people were also stabbed during an altercation.
The group Ultras Malmo released a statement condemning the attack.
All of our thoughts and all our love today goes out to our friend Showan who was last night was stabbed and beaten by Nazis. Showan is currently under sedation in hospital. Showan is one of Malmö ‘s most active figures and has strongly contributed to building up the culture of stands today in the MFF.
Our stand is a place of communion and where everybody with a sky-blue heart is welcome. We will never accept racism and Nazism in our stands or in our city. We invite everyone to give their thoughts to Showan and his family. All love to you Showan. Fight!”
The assault on Shattak has been seen the latest incident in a series of attacks against human rights activists in the country linked to the growing support for Fascist politicians.
The group’s Facebook page has been inundated with photos from football fans around the world pledging their support to ‘Kampa Showan’ (Team Showan).