STOCKHOLM — It’s a common term these days, deployed to describe the bond that victims of kidnappings or hostage situations sometimes develop with their captors: “Stockholm syndrome.” And it got its name 50 years ago this week, during a failed bank robbery in Sweden’s capital.
The Stockholm syndrome — initially dubbed “Norrmalmstorg syndrome,” after the square where the bank heist took place — has since been used in connection with hostage-takings around the world, including the kidnapping of newspaper heiress Patty Hearst in the 1970s.
Here’s a look at Stockholm syndrome and how it got its name.
WHAT IS STOCKHOLM SYNDROME?
It refers to the bond that can develop between hostages and their captors in hostage-taking and kidnapping situations. In some cases, hostages may develop sympathies for their captors and their cause — and even turn against the police. Rather than a diagnosis of a disorder, experts describe it as a psychological coping mechanism used by some hostages to endure being held captive and abused.
HOW DID IT GET ITS NAME?
STF
FILE - In this photo released by police, three of the four hostages and bank robber Clark Olofsson, standing right, are seen in a bank in Stockholm, Sweden, Aug. 27, 1973, shortly before the gunmen were overwhelmed by police. This week marks 50 years since a failed bank robbery that gave rise to the Stockholm syndrome, a term used in psychology to describe the bond that victims of kidnappings or hostage situations sometimes develop with their captors. (AP Photo, File)
The term can be traced back to Swedish criminologist and psychiatrist Nils Bejerot, who advised police in a standoff during a bank robbery in the Swedish capital in August 1973. During the standoff, some of the hostages appeared to side with the hostage-takers and against the police, a phenomenon Bejerot called “Norrmalmstorg syndrome.” Internationally, it became known as Stockholm syndrome.
Bejerot’s daughter, Susanne says her father, who died in 1988, never thought the term would gain such traction worldwide. “He didn’t understand that it would become such a big thing,” she said Wednesday.
WHAT HAPPENED DURING THAT BANK ROBBERY?
On Aug. 23, 1973, convicted thief Jan-Erik Olsson, 32, tried to rob a bank in downtown Stockholm while on furlough from prison. Police responded quickly, and a standoff ensued.
Olsson, armed with a submachine gun, took four bank employees hostage and demanded 3 million kronor, a bulletproof vest and a getaway car. He also demanded that his former jail mate, Clark Olofsson, be released from prison and brought to the bank. Authorities agreed.
The drama played out on live television in Sweden as police tried to persuade Olsson and Olofsson to surrender. Even Prime Minister Olof Palme got involved in the negotiations.
At one point, a hostage, Kristin Enmark, told Palme over the telephone that she was afraid of the police, not of the two criminals. She appealed to authorities to meet their demands. Enmark later said she had developed a bond with Olofsson, whom she saw as the guarantor of her safety.
Two police officers were injured with gunshot wounds during the standoff, which ended on Aug. 28 when police, using tear gas, stormed the bank, arrested Olsson and Olofsson and freed the hostages.
WHAT ARE OTHER EXAMPLES OF STOCKHOLM SYNDROME?
One of the most well-known cases happened the following year, 1974, when Patty Hearst, the 19-year-old granddaughter of a wealthy newspaper magnate was kidnapped in the United States by the Symbionese Liberation Army, an unknown armed revolutionary group.
Two months later, questions concerning Hearst’s ties to her captors — and the notion of Stockholm syndrome — arose after Hearst declared her allegiance to the SLA, denounced her family and posed for a photograph carrying a weapon in front of the SLA flag. She was arrested in 1975 and was sentenced to seven years in prison. President Jimmy Carter commuted her sentence in 1979. She was later pardoned by President Bill Clinton.
Stockholm syndrome has also been applied in the context of victims of domestic violence or childhood sexual abuse who develop connections with their abusers.
REAL OR MYTH?
Stockholm syndrome isn’t listed as a diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. Some experts question whether it’s a psychological condition at all or just a survival strategy — rational choices made by some people as they face extreme danger.
In the U.S. some law enforcement experts have said the phenomenon is rare and overpublicized by the media. But it still features frequently in popular culture, including books, films and music, and has entered the English lexicon as an informal term for people who forge unexpected bonds with others who treat them badly.
Stockholm syndrome inspired movies like the 2013 thriller ” Labor Day ” with Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin and Gattlin Griffith and the 2018 film ” Stockholm ” with Ethan Hawke and Noomi Rapace. The latter recounted the failed 1973 bank heist. It’s also the title of songs by bands including One Direction, Muse and Blink-182.
___
Olsen reported from Copenhagen, Denmark. AP Medical Writer Carla K. Johnson contributed from Washington state.
___
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
Canva
It's been 90 years since Prohibition was repealed in the United States with the passing of the 21st Amendment in 1933. But even though the law that outlawed alcohol manufacture and sales was ultimately repealed, that doesn't mean the U.S. became a free-for-all when it came to liquor distribution and consumption.
In fact, after the national ban was lifted, each state had its own approach to legalizing the hard stuff—and as a result, there are still lots of laws to keep boozehounds in check throughout the nation.
CheapInsurance.com reviewed legislative statutes of U.S. state liquor laws and scoured news stories from around the world to find some of the weirdest laws related to alcohol that are still enforced today. Some hark back to a more puritanical time of temperance and morality, while others boil down to a public safety issue. Still, others are a bit more baffling and may leave you scratching your head wondering, "Why?"
Read on to learn about 17 of the most unusual reasons you could get nabbed for violating an alcohol law in the United States or around the globe.
Canva
It's been 90 years since Prohibition was repealed in the United States with the passing of the 21st Amendment in 1933. But even though the law that outlawed alcohol manufacture and sales was ultimately repealed, that doesn't mean the U.S. became a free-for-all when it came to liquor distribution and consumption.
In fact, after the national ban was lifted, each state had its own approach to legalizing the hard stuff—and as a result, there are still lots of laws to keep boozehounds in check throughout the nation.
CheapInsurance.com reviewed legislative statutes of U.S. state liquor laws and scoured news stories from around the world to find some of the weirdest laws related to alcohol that are still enforced today. Some hark back to a more puritanical time of temperance and morality, while others boil down to a public safety issue. Still, others are a bit more baffling and may leave you scratching your head wondering, "Why?"
Read on to learn about 17 of the most unusual reasons you could get nabbed for violating an alcohol law in the United States or around the globe.
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
Canva
Although New York City is known for its nightlife (and its 4 a.m. last call), there's one aspect of its entertainment offerings that restricts alcohol entirely: all-nude strip clubs. Gentlemen's clubs that feature exotic dancers who bare it all aren't eligible for liquor or beer and wine licenses—so selling a bottle of bubbly at one of these clubs could get a proprietor busted.
Canva
Although New York City is known for its nightlife (and its 4 a.m. last call), there's one aspect of its entertainment offerings that restricts alcohol entirely: all-nude strip clubs. Gentlemen's clubs that feature exotic dancers who bare it all aren't eligible for liquor or beer and wine licenses—so selling a bottle of bubbly at one of these clubs could get a proprietor busted.
-
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
Canva
In New York, the State Liquor Authority restricts the sale of whiskey, vodka, and other types of liquors within 200 feet of—or even on the same street as—any place of worship. It's called the "200 Foot Law," and it applies to both restaurants and "taverns" (or bars with pub food). Although these establishments can't qualify for a liquor license, they can legally sell beer and wine within close proximity to a church, synagogue, or even a school.
Canva
In New York, the State Liquor Authority restricts the sale of whiskey, vodka, and other types of liquors within 200 feet of—or even on the same street as—any place of worship. It's called the "200 Foot Law," and it applies to both restaurants and "taverns" (or bars with pub food). Although these establishments can't qualify for a liquor license, they can legally sell beer and wine within close proximity to a church, synagogue, or even a school.
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
Canva
Throughout California, even adults of legal drinking age can't enjoy an adult beverage while galloping down the street. That would be in violation of the state's open container law because horses are considered vehicles under the state vehicle code—which also means you could get busted for a DUI if you're found drunk while behind the reins. And that's not all—you could also get charged with animal cruelty if the horse gets hurt in a drunk-riding accident.
Canva
Throughout California, even adults of legal drinking age can't enjoy an adult beverage while galloping down the street. That would be in violation of the state's open container law because horses are considered vehicles under the state vehicle code—which also means you could get busted for a DUI if you're found drunk while behind the reins. And that's not all—you could also get charged with animal cruelty if the horse gets hurt in a drunk-riding accident.
-
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
Canva
The other dry state in the U.S. is Kansas, which never voted to ratify the 21st Amendment in 1933. That means the state never repealed Prohibition—aka the 18th Amendment, which prohibited making, selling, or transporting alcoholic drinks beginning in 1919 (although you could consume them legally). Like Tennessee, the default is "dry," which means serving and selling alcohol is officially outlawed—but individual counties that have approved a 1986 amendment to the state constitution are now allowed to sell and serve adult beverages.
Canva
The other dry state in the U.S. is Kansas, which never voted to ratify the 21st Amendment in 1933. That means the state never repealed Prohibition—aka the 18th Amendment, which prohibited making, selling, or transporting alcoholic drinks beginning in 1919 (although you could consume them legally). Like Tennessee, the default is "dry," which means serving and selling alcohol is officially outlawed—but individual counties that have approved a 1986 amendment to the state constitution are now allowed to sell and serve adult beverages.
-
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
Canva
While the state of Ohio does stick to the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, which makes it illegal to purchase or be in possession of alcoholic beverages on your own under the age of 21, there's an interesting exception to the rule. Under-agers can imbibe in public when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is "of age" and who provides the drink. They'll just get busted if they try to order for themselves.
Canva
While the state of Ohio does stick to the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, which makes it illegal to purchase or be in possession of alcoholic beverages on your own under the age of 21, there's an interesting exception to the rule. Under-agers can imbibe in public when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is "of age" and who provides the drink. They'll just get busted if they try to order for themselves.
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
Canva
In 2014, South Carolina became the last U.S. state to stop following a pre-Prohibition law that banned alcohol sales on Election Day. But that doesn't mean that every state in the country allows its citizens to booze it up before casting their ballot. In Alaska, a law is still on the books that prohibits the serving or sale of alcoholic beverages until the polls close, which is usually 8 p.m. It's only then that the bars can open—unless it's in a city that's adopted an ordinance that states otherwise.
Canva
In 2014, South Carolina became the last U.S. state to stop following a pre-Prohibition law that banned alcohol sales on Election Day. But that doesn't mean that every state in the country allows its citizens to booze it up before casting their ballot. In Alaska, a law is still on the books that prohibits the serving or sale of alcoholic beverages until the polls close, which is usually 8 p.m. It's only then that the bars can open—unless it's in a city that's adopted an ordinance that states otherwise.
-
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
Canva
In Allegany County, a southernmost county of New York adjacent to Pennsylvania, an odd law keeps its fine citizens sober for the coming of Santa Claus. Although grocery and convenience stores can normally sell alcohol until 1 a.m. on weekdays and weekends—and restaurants, bars, and taverns can all serve alcoholic drinks for on-site consumption until 2 a.m.—Christmas Eve is a different story, with an early closing time of 10 p.m. for both.
Any retailer or venue in violation of this deadline could get busted. Still, drinkers have another option: liquor and wine stores, which are exempt for some reason and can stay open at regular hours on the night before Christmas (which means until midnight on weekdays and until 9 p.m. on Sundays).
Canva
In Allegany County, a southernmost county of New York adjacent to Pennsylvania, an odd law keeps its fine citizens sober for the coming of Santa Claus. Although grocery and convenience stores can normally sell alcohol until 1 a.m. on weekdays and weekends—and restaurants, bars, and taverns can all serve alcoholic drinks for on-site consumption until 2 a.m.—Christmas Eve is a different story, with an early closing time of 10 p.m. for both.
Any retailer or venue in violation of this deadline could get busted. Still, drinkers have another option: liquor and wine stores, which are exempt for some reason and can stay open at regular hours on the night before Christmas (which means until midnight on weekdays and until 9 p.m. on Sundays).
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
siemon // Shutterstock
The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission of Massachusetts has a host of rules under what it calls its "Happy Hour Regulation"—which, as the name suggests, restricts the sale of discounted drinks during certain hours of the day (aka "time-limited drink specials"). In fact, the prices for alcoholic beverages must remain constant for the entirety of a calendar week. That same law, first enacted in 1984 as part of a campaign against DUIs, could get a bar or restaurant busted for selling an entire pitcher of beer or an entire bottle of wine to just one person, too—no matter what time of day or day of the week.
siemon // Shutterstock
The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission of Massachusetts has a host of rules under what it calls its "Happy Hour Regulation"—which, as the name suggests, restricts the sale of discounted drinks during certain hours of the day (aka "time-limited drink specials"). In fact, the prices for alcoholic beverages must remain constant for the entirety of a calendar week. That same law, first enacted in 1984 as part of a campaign against DUIs, could get a bar or restaurant busted for selling an entire pitcher of beer or an entire bottle of wine to just one person, too—no matter what time of day or day of the week.
-
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
Juergen Faelchle // Shutterstock
Most U.S. states have laws on the books about not driving while under the influence of alcohol—and not drinking while driving. But in Louisiana, there's a workaround to the "open container" law that's allowed patrons to purchase daiquiris at the drive-thru since 1981: They have to be frozen, and they have to be covered by a lid that's not been pierced by a straw. You could get busted, however, if you try to drink your spirited slushy through that little hole in the top, as none of the contents can be removed from the cup while you're in the car.
Juergen Faelchle // Shutterstock
Most U.S. states have laws on the books about not driving while under the influence of alcohol—and not drinking while driving. But in Louisiana, there's a workaround to the "open container" law that's allowed patrons to purchase daiquiris at the drive-thru since 1981: They have to be frozen, and they have to be covered by a lid that's not been pierced by a straw. You could get busted, however, if you try to drink your spirited slushy through that little hole in the top, as none of the contents can be removed from the cup while you're in the car.
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
Canva
It's a Class B misdemeanor in Indiana for convenience stores, grocery stores, and drug stores (all considered "beer dealers") to sell beer that's been chilled in any way—a relic from the post-Prohibition "blue laws" that attempted to instill a sense of moderation in those who partake in adult beverages. (Theoretically, selling the beer at room temperature would keep the customer from cracking it open right away and maybe even finishing it on the ride home.)
That makes Indiana the only U.S. state to restrict alcohol sales based on its temperature. Want a cold brewski without getting busted? Head to an Indiana liquor store (where cold carryout is legal) or a local brewery, which can sell its own beer at a drinkable temperature.
Canva
It's a Class B misdemeanor in Indiana for convenience stores, grocery stores, and drug stores (all considered "beer dealers") to sell beer that's been chilled in any way—a relic from the post-Prohibition "blue laws" that attempted to instill a sense of moderation in those who partake in adult beverages. (Theoretically, selling the beer at room temperature would keep the customer from cracking it open right away and maybe even finishing it on the ride home.)
That makes Indiana the only U.S. state to restrict alcohol sales based on its temperature. Want a cold brewski without getting busted? Head to an Indiana liquor store (where cold carryout is legal) or a local brewery, which can sell its own beer at a drinkable temperature.
-
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
Canva
Establishments in Oklahoma are banned from offering alcoholic beverages that are available in truly unlimited quantities—aka "bottomless"—for a single fixed price. Likewise, they can't give away drinks or host BOGO (buy-one-get-one) deals. However, the sky's the limit in terms of the number of drinks that a restaurant or bar can sell to a patron who's paying per serving—that is until they become intoxicated (at which point they can't be served and must leave the premises).
Canva
Establishments in Oklahoma are banned from offering alcoholic beverages that are available in truly unlimited quantities—aka "bottomless"—for a single fixed price. Likewise, they can't give away drinks or host BOGO (buy-one-get-one) deals. However, the sky's the limit in terms of the number of drinks that a restaurant or bar can sell to a patron who's paying per serving—that is until they become intoxicated (at which point they can't be served and must leave the premises).
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
Canva
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, it's not just public drunkenness that's illegal—you could also get busted for being intoxicated in private, where you might "unreasonably" disturb somebody else. That means it's actually against the law to "get drunk" anywhere in the entire state of Utah—even at home, where you could be charged with a Class C misdemeanor if caught! The definition of "under the influence" is the strictest in the country, too: The blood alcohol content limit for a DUI is just .05%, compared to .08% in all other 49 states and the District of Columbia.
Canva
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, it's not just public drunkenness that's illegal—you could also get busted for being intoxicated in private, where you might "unreasonably" disturb somebody else. That means it's actually against the law to "get drunk" anywhere in the entire state of Utah—even at home, where you could be charged with a Class C misdemeanor if caught! The definition of "under the influence" is the strictest in the country, too: The blood alcohol content limit for a DUI is just .05%, compared to .08% in all other 49 states and the District of Columbia.
-
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
-
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
Canva
The experts at Fodor's Travel advise that manufacturing, selling, consuming, or even just having alcohol in your possession is an offense punishable by flogging in Saudi Arabia. In fact, according to Amnesty International, flogging is a mandatory punishment for anyone the Saudi religious police force catches drinking alcohol—or even using cooking wine—as it's in violation of Shariah, or Islamic law, to which the kingdom strictly adheres.
Canva
The experts at Fodor's Travel advise that manufacturing, selling, consuming, or even just having alcohol in your possession is an offense punishable by flogging in Saudi Arabia. In fact, according to Amnesty International, flogging is a mandatory punishment for anyone the Saudi religious police force catches drinking alcohol—or even using cooking wine—as it's in violation of Shariah, or Islamic law, to which the kingdom strictly adheres.
-
17 unusual alcohol laws that could get you busted across the world
Canva
A "beer purity law" has strictly regulated the ingredients that go into German beer for over 500 years (and counting). It's called "Reinheitsgebot," and it was issued in 1516 to ban using wheat to make beer so its supply could be reserved for bread-making. But the added benefit was that it also protected consumers by preventing brewers from contaminating their lagers with anything nefarious (like hallucinogens) beyond the basic ingredients of water, hops, malted grains, and, as of 1906, yeast.
Today, the German Brewers Association still uses it as a guideline for making heritage-style beers. But unlike in the 16th century, you won't get your beer confiscated if you don't follow the law to a T.
This story originally appeared on CheapInsurance.com and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
Canva
A "beer purity law" has strictly regulated the ingredients that go into German beer for over 500 years (and counting). It's called "Reinheitsgebot," and it was issued in 1516 to ban using wheat to make beer so its supply could be reserved for bread-making. But the added benefit was that it also protected consumers by preventing brewers from contaminating their lagers with anything nefarious (like hallucinogens) beyond the basic ingredients of water, hops, malted grains, and, as of 1906, yeast.
Today, the German Brewers Association still uses it as a guideline for making heritage-style beers. But unlike in the 16th century, you won't get your beer confiscated if you don't follow the law to a T.
This story originally appeared on CheapInsurance.com and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
