Anger in Sweden as Nobel Prize organizers invite Russia and Belarus to the award ceremonies

By DAVID KEYTON
Associated Press

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Several Swedish lawmakers say they will boycott this year’s Nobel Prize award ceremonies after the private foundation that administers the prestigious awards changed its position from a year earlier and invited representatives of Russia, Belarus and Iran to attend. The Nobel Foundation said invitations to the Dec. 10 events were extended to all countries with diplomatic missions in Sweden and Norway. Last year, the envoys of Russia and Belarus were barred from attending because of the war in Ukraine. Iran’s ambassador was excluded as anti-government protests and a security crackdown roiled the country. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told Swedish news agency TT he wouldn’t allow Russia to attend this year, if given the choice.