Uzel, a worker of Turkish origin, is fighting for justice for his son, Salih Uzel, 19, killed on New Year's Eve outside his home in Skogås, a southeast suburb of Stockholm. When his older brother and family members were attacked by a group of 15 to 18 people, he came to their aid. After the tense situation calmed down and he turned to leave, he was stabbed in the back and died in the hospital. Two racist skinheads were arrested.

A number of protests against the racist killing have been held, including two in Skogås that drew a few hundred people, where representatives from the government, local units of the main political parties, and antiracist organizations participated. A candlelight vigil rallied 1,000 people. Another 400 demonstrated in downtown Stockholm.

The rallies condemned the killing as racist. The man charged with the killing has belonged to a couple of fascist-type organizations and is well known locally for his long record of harassing immigrants.

From the beginning the police and prosecutors have refused to acknowledge any racism in the case.

"We haven't found any signs of racism involved in this. A confrontation between two gangs led to a man being stabbed. It could have happened to any group," the prosecutor asserted. An outraged Uzel has demanded that this prosecutor be replaced, but so far to no avail.

The 24-year-old rightist was charged with murder and has confessed to killing Salih Uzel, but maintains it wasn't his intention. At the May 9 conclusion of the trial, the judge decided that the accused will undergo a psychiatric examination and then the court will decide whether he goes to prison or to a mental institution.

"I want this condemned as a racist killing," stated Uzel. "The Swedish prime minister was recently in the United States and was commended for his work against the holocaust. But he is closing his eyes to what is happening in his own country. He should keep his own house clean."

Lars Erlandsson is a member the Food Workers Union in Stockholm. Catharina Tirsén and Anita Östling contributed to the article.  
 
 
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