The WRC round based in Umeå is set to begin on Thursday, but uncertainty still looms over parts of the route. The Rans Sami community filed a complaint last week against the organisation of three special stages, demanding their cancellation.
The complaint is based on the claim that the rally disrupts the grazing areas of reindeer herds. The case is now under review by the Swedish Transport Administration.
Read more: Rally Sweden’s final day in jeopardy as appeal filed just a week before start
On Sunday morning, three dead reindeer were found outside Umeå, apparently killed intentionally. The Sami community believes that the case is linked to the rally dispute.
According to Swedish national broadcaster SVT, two reindeer had their throats cut, while the third appeared to have been shot.
“It is horrifying that an event like a rally can drive people to something like this. I have never experienced such a hate crime against the Rans Sami community before,” said Maidi Eira Andersson, a member of the community’s board, speaking to SVT.
The dead reindeer were found in Kullaskogen, less than 10 kilometres from central Umeå. No special stages are scheduled to be run in that area.
The police have launched an investigation into the case and registered it as criminal damage.
Rally Sweden organiser Erik Åström condemned all forms of hate and threats in the strongest terms.
“It is horrible that something like this has happened, and I hope the police conduct a thorough investigation,” Åström stated.
A quick decision from the Swedish Transport Administration is expected regarding the fate of the rally route, as the recce is set to begin on Tuesday.
