Syriac politician in Sweden Aday Bethkinne urges Swedish Government to officially recognize 1915 Sayfo Genocide

STOCKHOLM — Aday Bethkinne, a Syriac politician from Sweden’s Christian Democrats (Kristdemokraterna, KD), has called on Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and the governing coalition to officially recognize the 1915 Sayfo Genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire against the Armenian, Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean), and Greek peoples. In a detailed letter, Bethkinne expressed gratitude for the Swedish Parliament’s historic acknowledgment of the genocide in 2010 but criticized the lack of further governmental action in the 15 years since.

The letter coincided with a memorial event hosted by Botkyrka Municipality to honor the victims of the genocide. Bethkinne emphasized the significance of 24 April as a day of remembrance for the millions of Syriac (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldean), Armenians, and Greeks who were murdered, forcibly displaced, and subjected to horrific atrocities. He stressed that these commemorations remind society of the need to learn from history and prevent such tragedies in the future.

Bethkinne expressed frustration with the political inertia often following elections, arguing that the silence undermines the hopes of those advocating for recognition. Despite the 2010 parliamentary acknowledgment, he noted that successive governments have avoided further action, citing the absence of “reliable legal research” as justification.

Öppet brev till regeringen och statsminister Ulf Kristersson om folkmordet #Seyfo1915

Idag, den 24 april, minns och hedrar vi offren för folkmordet Seyfo 1915. Varje år arrangeras manifestationer runt om i världen för att uppmärksamma ett av historiens grymmaste folkmord. Detta… pic.twitter.com/jOX024rBni

— Aday Bethkinne (@AdayBethkinne) April 24, 2025

The letter also criticized opposition parties for reversing their support for recognition upon entering government, labeling the issue as “too complex.” Bethkinne provided examples of such political shifts, voicing disappointment in the lack of willpower to address the genocide fully.

He highlighted that with the formation of the 2022 government and the conclusion of NATO accession talks, many previous excuses for delaying recognition were no longer valid. However, he lamented the continued absence of political commitment, pointing out that the genocide remains off the government’s and political parties’ agenda with just 18 months until the next elections.

In closing, Bethkinne directly challenged the prime minister and party leaders, asking whether they intended to formally recognize the genocide or risk betraying the descendants of its victims — 200,000 of whom reside in Sweden — once again.