The report was submitted to the ombudsman at the end of August, but only came to light earlier this week.
According to SVT, a section of the written statement from one of the drivers reads as follows:
“They checked the tachograph as usual and were nice in the beginning. Then they asked if I had an extra driver’s card and I replied that I did not have one. They body searched me and went through my wallet and everything without results.
The statement continues:
“Then I had to go with them to their bus and they claimed I had cheated by using other driver cards. After a lot of threats, I had to go back to the truck and then they went inside the cab and turned everything upside down. They said several times that they would stop myself and my colleagues as soon as they saw us.”
After the police found nothing wrong during the check, the driver was able to continue his journey. The officers then went about inspecting the other driver and his truck, an inspection that concerns some deeply disturbing allegations.
In this driver’s written statement, the trucker told the ombudsman:
“Although I denied that I had an extra driver’s card on me, they forced me to undress naked and shone a torch up my behind.”
As SVT reports, both drivers have said they were appalled by the behaviour of the officers. One of them even described the situation as being “worse than driving in the old East Germany”.
The police are now required to make an official response to the allegations. Their answer must contain an account of the investigation that was carried out and what other measures were taken.
SVT contacted the relevant police department for comment. A spokesperson said that they would not be commenting until after the official response has been published.
It appears the process may take some time. SVT reports that the police have until February 15th 2022 to submit their legal response.
Photo: Volkswagen Sweden, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
