Swedish police announced on August 3 that major clashes occurred at the Eritrea-Scandinavia Festival, an event supporting the Swedish government, on the outskirts of the capital Stockholm.

Swedish police, protesters clash at Eritrea-Scandinavia Festival.

“A crowd gathered near the scene of the incident, which then escalated into violent rioting,” the police statement said. Police were on the scene and “are continuing efforts to deal with the criminal activity and restore order,” it said.

Meanwhile, Expressen newspaper reported that about 1,000 anti-government protesters broke through police lines and stormed the venue. They vandalized tents, attacked police with stakes and threw rocks at them.

Police said at least 52 people were injured and dozens detained in the clashes. Aerial footage showed several vehicles and at least 10 tents on fire, sending plumes of smoke into the sky.

The Eritrean-Scandinavian Traditional Festival attracts many scholars. The organizers also conduct many discussions and debates on current issues.

According to VNA