Clark Olofsson, a notorious Swedish criminal, has passed away at 78. He gained notoriety for his involvement in a 1973 bank robbery in Stockholm, which resulted in hostage situations and the coining of the term 'Stockholm syndrome.' This event, extensively covered by live media, highlighted the tensions between hostages and police, with one hostage famously expressing more fear of the police than of her captors. Following failed negotiations, police used tear gas to resolve the situation. Olofsson's legacy remains controversial, blending elements of infamy and a curious public fascination with his story, as reflected in recent Netflix portrayals.
The term Stockholm syndrome, used to refer to a hostage who begins to sympathise with the hostage taker, has since been dismissed as a psychological condition, with critics arguing the hostages' behaviour was perfectly rational under the circumstances.
Prime Minister Olof Palme was brought in to help negotiate, only to be sharply scolded by one of the hostages.
I think Clark Olofsson will be remembered as one of Sweden's most famous bank robbers, criminal through and through, but there will probably be a bit of a glorified shimmer around him.
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