The False Accusation

This subplot traces how a moment of force at the station becomes a public scandal and a test of Wallander’s credibility.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Persson Attacks Her Mother

A Chaotic Interview A Sudden Outburst During questioning, Eva Persson strikes her mother and bites Wallander when he separates them. Wallander slaps her to stop the attack. An Unwitnessed Account The scene is confusing and poorly documented. A photographer captures the moment after Persson falls, not the events that preceded it.

The Photograph Published

A Single Image Public Judgment An evening paper prints a photograph of Persson on the floor and captions it as a policeman assaulting a teenage girl. The image reduces a complicated moment to an accusation. Wallander’s Isolation Holgersson orders an inquiry, and Wallander feels that his account is not believed. His professional identity becomes vulnerable to a story he cannot control.

A Defensive Interview

The Reporter’s Version A Difficult Explanation Wallander agrees to speak to a reporter with Martinsson present. He says he hit Persson only to protect her mother, while the journalist emphasizes the conflicting claims. An Ongoing Case Wallander refuses to disclose investigative details. His restraint is legally prudent but leaves the public narrative largely shaped by the photograph.

Suspension Threatened

Holgersson’s Decision Formal Pressure Holgersson tells Wallander that Persson’s lawyer has reported him and that an internal investigation is underway. She says suspension may be necessary. A Professional Ultimatum Wallander threatens to resign rather than accept a suspension he considers unjust. He stays because leaving could make the accusation appear true.

Charges Withdrawn

The Record Corrected Höglund’s Intervention After speaking privately with Persson and her mother, Höglund helps persuade them to withdraw the complaint and acknowledge Wallander’s account. Relief Without Triumph The inquiry ends, but the correction receives little public attention. Wallander is relieved and prefers the affair to fade rather than become another institutional battle.

October 7, 1997, before the press conference

October 7, 1997, afternoon

October 9, 1997, morning

October 16, 1997

November 11, 1997