Sweden pledges aid to Cambodia after Svartholm deported

In a move that seems morally fishy, but far from surprising, Sweden has pledged aid in the form of 400 million Kronor (£37.5 million) to Cambodia, after the South-East Asian nation agreed to deport The Pirate Bay founder, Gottfried Svartholm – allowing Swedish authorities to arrest him.

The money is said to be planned for use on causes of “democratic development, human rights, education and climate change for two years” according to a senior Cambodian official (via Xinhuanet). Prime Minister of Cambodia Keat Chhon said after signing the agreement, that: “Cambodia considers Sweden as a highly valued development partner and we will make every best effort to ensure that the aid be utilized effectively in an efficient and transparent manner.”

Svartholm initially failed to show up for his sentenced jail time in Sweden in January of this year. When he was found to be residing in Cambodia, it was initially speculated that since the government there had no extradition treaty with the European nation, that nothing much would come of it. However, it's now been made obvious that that wouldn't stop international ‘cooperation,' with Cambodia deporting Svartholm, giving Swedish authorities their opportunity.

There are plenty of other speculative arrangements that could have been made surrounding the deportation of Mr Svartholm. On the day he was arrested, US officials including trade representative Ron Kirk visited Cambodia. No one is pointing fingers, but eyebrows are certainly raised.

KitGuru Says: Our eyebrows are so up right now, it looks like we're doing an impression of The Rock.

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