At the state-run Sis residence Rebeckahemmet in Ekerö, outside of Stockholm, 21 girls and young women reside. Most are being cared for under the LVU (Law on the Care of Young Persons) and have lived with substance abuse or self-harming behaviors.
In early March this year, DN received a tip about serious deficiencies at Rebeckahemmet and has since spoken with around 20 people who work, or have worked, at the institution.
This has caused internal concern. Three employees report that Rebeckahemmet’s top manager, David Söderman, visited the facility’s departments to—according to their perception—warn staff against “talking to the media.”
“He said our words could be distorted,” recounts one employee who was present.
In mid-March, David Söderman sent an email to the entire staff, stating that “several rumors” about him were being spread. He urged anyone with “information” to contact him.
“It felt really strange. As if he wanted to intimidate us or silence things,” says another employee DN spoke with.
Everyone who works in publicly funded operations—such as a Sis residence—has the right to provide information to journalists. This right is protected by the Constitution. Employers are not allowed to try to find out who provided the information; doing so would violate the so-called “prohibition of investigation.”
Information suggesting that David Söderman may have violated the law was reported to the police by an employee at Rebeckahemmet. The Chancellor of Justice (JK), who investigates this type of offense, confirms that a preliminary investigation has now been initiated regarding a violation of the prohibition of investigation at Rebeckahemmet.
“The investigation in this case gives reason to believe that a crime against the prohibition of investigation has been committed,” writes the JK in its decision to open a preliminary investigation.
Prosecutor Elin Henningsson does not want to say whether the suspicion is directed at a specific individual.
“What I can say is that I’ve been in contact with the JK to find out what information they want us to provide. Beyond that, I can’t give any further comments at this time due to the confidentiality of the preliminary investigation,” she says.
The institution’s director, David Söderman, says he is not aware of the investigation. He denies having tried to identify sources.
“I’m fully aware that one is not allowed to do that. What I tell the staff is that if the media contacts you, you are free to talk to them. But if you feel uncomfortable doing so, there are other channels and the possibility to forward the question within the agency,” he says.
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