Sweden's King, Carl XVI Gustaf has been slammed by political parties who believe the recent visit to Saudi Arabia approves royal family's lack of concern for human rights status in the kingdom http://www.abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=272472

The left Party Hans Linde told the Expressen news paper “It's (sic) betrays a complete lack of judgment to, at a time when people in the region are demanding democracy, give a medal to the regions foremost dictators.”Social Democratic foreign policy spokesperson Urban Ahlin also found fault with King's actions, saying “It's extremely bad timing to travel there and honor the Saudi King. It's a bad signal to the people fighting for democracy and freedom.”

The Swedish branch of human rights organization Amnesty has also condemned the visit.It said “In Saudi Arabia, there are incredibly serious human right violations. The list can get very long and to honor King Abdullah, who is the utmost responsible, just gives it legitimacy.”In late September, the Swedish King, the honorary president of the World Scout Committee (WSC), gave his Saudi counterpart, King Abdullah, a Wolf Bronze award.