Four young men with ties to the far-right Aktivklubb network faced trial in Stockholm on Thursday. They stand accused of multiple violent crimes committed during a single summer night.
The men sat quietly as prosecutors read the charges. Within just 30 minutes after midnight on August 27, they allegedly committed serious assault, robbery, unlawful threats and vandalism. All victims were of foreign background, with prosecutors stating the attacks were racially motivated.
One assault victim described how the suspects laughed and shouted racist slurs while beating him with an umbrella. The trial takes place in Stockholm District Court's secure courtroom.
All four men deny the assault charges and claim there was no hate motive. One defendant admits to vandalism after writing "AKS" - Aktivklubb Sweden - followed by a symbol used by far-right groups on a clothing store window.
In the third assault case, which occurred in the subway, only three men face charges. They admit throwing punches but claim they acted in self-defense. They deny coordinating their actions or having hate motives.
Surveillance footage shows the men leaving a pub on Kungsgatan in central Stockholm before the attacks. One man appears shadowboxing in the air as they exit. Minutes later, the first serious assault occurred where the victim was also robbed and another person threatened.
Another camera shows the men walking away with one wearing the victim's cap - allegedly stolen property. When played in court, the defendants stared intently at the screens displaying the footage.
Multiple surveillance videos capture the men giving Nazi salutes on several occasions. They're seen making the gestures while running through empty city streets and when saying goodbye to each other.
The court closed proceedings to journalists and observers when showing footage of the actual assaults. Prosecutors say the men have connections to Aktivklubb Sweden, a far-right movement that has emerged in recent years.
Experts note violence forms a core part of the group's ideology. A researcher previously stated their philosophy centers on "victory or death" where opponents become enemies to be fought rather than debated.
During police interviews, the men answered "no comment" to all questions and denied connections to the Nazi network. Two more trial days are scheduled for November 3-4 before the court reaches a verdict.
The defendants' claims of self-defense appear inconsistent with the pattern of multiple attacks against foreign-born victims within a short timeframe.