Bassist/vocalist Janne Jarvis of Hate Gallery issued the
following statement about being arrested at Pub Anchor in
Stockholm, Sweden on October 1st:
“I’ve never experienced anything like it. The bouncers dragged
me out and held me down over a barrier outside. I couldn’t breathe
and they almost broke my arms. Luckily there were a number of
people outside including some journalists who helped me get free.
However this was just the start. I managed to make it into the
middle of the street and was relieved to see that a police car had
just pulled up. I tried to explain what had happened but before
they could take a statement the bouncers rushed me and grabbed me
again, this time with considerably more force. I pleaded with the
police to stop them but they just stood back. They looked like they
were panicking and didn’t seem to know what to do or they were
‘friends’ with the bouncers. Luckily some more police turned up and
they kindly arrested me and took me away.
"I cannot believe how incompetent and incapable the Stockholm
police were of protecting a member of the public from this kind of
assault. Members of the police force that I spoke to later were
amazed and embarrassed that members of their own department did
absolutely nothing.
"Stockholm is a great city but the police have lost control of
the streets and are powerless or unwilling to protect the public
against these licensed thugs. Sadly these events occur every night
of the year all around the world, it’s just a shame that a country
like Sweden that prides itself on its anti-violence policies and
equality should allow its reputation to be damaged by the impotence
and apparent corruption of its police.This has to be stopped.
"If you love music and value your personal safety, I’d strongly
advise against going to or playing at Pub Anchor. If you’re an
international musician visiting Stockholm then watch your back
because the police will not protect you.”
Linnea Olsson of Sweden Rock Magazine, who was present at Pub
Anchor, issued the following the statement about the incident:
“I’m sorry to say I’m not entirely surprised by the behaviour of
the bouncers, since Pub Anchor is infamous for its ruthless and
disrespectful staff. I am however stunned by the fact that the
police not only failed to do their job, but even enabled this
completely unprovoked act of violence. The police claim to have a
zero tolerance approach, which does not seem to be true since
they’re clearly collaborating with the bouncers. I will never set
my foot in Pub Anchor again and I encourage all bands and fans in
Stockholm to follow my example.”