[bjornsteffanson]

It's not different, and I believe that was the point. There is a weird stereotype that I've encountered about Sweden that I wasn't aware of until the first time I lived outside of our country...whenever something like this comes along, there's a notion that some people think "Oh it's Sweden, they'll do the right thing," as if our laws or courts are somehow "more right" or "more just" than others. I think what the preceding comment was trying to point out is that that is not always true.

[jbaptiste]

That's very true. In Europe, Sweden is in our minds like one of the two or three countries where everything seems to be "good". Economics are good, people are nice, unemployment seems low and somehow those countries act as "The goods and respectables guys from the north". That's a very common feeling in EU.

[meowface]

The same sentiment is held by many in the US. Sweden, Denmark, and Norway are viewed as more modern and civilized societies.

[PhantomGremlin]

Don't forget the "babes". When I think of Sweden I think of http://www.people.com/people/elin_nordegren/

[renaudg]

This is indeed the good image that Sweden has for more southern Europeans. Although the whole Assange case has shown that even there, politics can be stronger than justice.