Swedish FM Dies Of Stab Wounds After Attack

But she died following massive internal bleeding caused by her injuries at Karolinka at 0329 GMT, Karolinska hospital told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
There is no information on the attacker, but reports said the attacker is of Swedish features and in his 30s or 40s
Government officials had previously described Lindh’s condition as critical, but not life-threatening. Her liver had been damaged in the attack, causing internal bleeding.

The attack on Lindh, who was without a bodyguard when attacked, brought back memories of the assassination of former prime minister Olof Palme, who was a key supporter of the Palestinian cause, as he was leaving a cinema in downtown Stockholm in 1986.

The Swedish intelligence opened investigations into Lindh’s killing, which shocked politicians in the calm European country, most of them are moving with no security guards.

It has also sparked debate on whether Swedish top politicians are well enough protected.

Lindh was a heavyweight politician in Sweden and tipped to succeed Goeran Persson as prime minister.

She was also a high-profile campaigner for Swedish euro membership, but her death casts a shadow over Sunday’s Swedish referendum on the single currency, fueling speculation that the vote could even be called off.

Lindh was known for her criticism of Israeli oppressive practices against the Palestinians, and had earlier blasted the Israeli army’s extrajudicial executions of Palestinians.

Palestinians are humiliated daily at Israeli roadblocks," she said in a statement, sparking the Israeli government’s scathing condemnation of her situation.

In June 2002,the youth wing of the Swedish Social Democrats, of which Lindh was a member, has pressed charges against hawkish Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of war crimes and violation of international law.

Lindh said in comments that she understood there was "both bitterness and anger because the Israeli government is guilty of violating international law."