Björn: »- Nelson Mandela is my hero«

Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet rewards people who have done something heroic, the contest is called »Swedish Heroes«. Björn is a member of the jury. Here he anwers six questions about heroic deeds.

1. How does it feel to be part of the »Swedish Heroes« jury?
     - I think it gives me some creditability just to be asked to participate. If you look at all the others, they are all people with very high integrity.

2. Can you describe an everyday-hero in three words?
     - Unselfish, courageous, compassionate.

3. Is it OK to break the law to help someone or prevent a crime? For example drive too fast, go through forbidden and closed areas, or even pull a gun?
     - Instinctively I would say yes. The principle for me is clear: you may break the law to save someone else. But naturally it depends on the circumstances, for example how much damage my action causes.

4. If I look the other way, don't dare to get involved - does that make me a bad person?
     - To just walk by - no, that's not good enough. There is always something you can do and you sometimes have to take a risk when it comes to saving life.

5. The Swedish Olympic wrestler Ara Abrahamian threw his bronze medal on the floor as a protest during the Olympic Games. Would you dare to defy the establishment for something you believe in?
     - If I felt that something was corrupt - then it's a heroic act to do what Ara did. In his situation it was the most effective thing.

6. Finally, who is your own personal heroic figure?
     - Nelson Mandela. When he was released from prison after all those years he wasn't bitter, instead he was constructive and looked to the future. That's a hero for me.