Several Swedes sentenced to death in Iraq
In Iraq, three Swedes have been sentenced to death following the murder of a gang leader in Bagdad. The Swedish government is currently attempting to prevent the execution. However, they also emphasize that they have no objection to punishment in another form.
The Swedish Foreign Ministry intends to summon a diplomatic representative of the country to Stockholm in protest against the death sentences against Swedes in Iraq. Three cases have occurred this year involving a lethal shooting incident, the Foreign Ministry stated. There have also been reports of a fourth Swedish national who has received a death sentence, which could potentially be related to drugs. However, the judgment cannot be confirmed at present.
"We act to ensure that the judgments are not carried out," the Foreign Ministry stated. Sweden opposes the death penalty. "We reject it everywhere and under all circumstances," the Ministry added.
According to Swedish media reports, the three Swedes are accused of involvement in the murder of a criminal gang leader in Bagdad, Iraq. The crime is believed to be linked to a gang war between Swedish groups.
Will the accused be brought back to Sweden?
According to the medium "Aftonbladet," Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstroem stated a few days ago that the allegations against the suspects are serious. "We are not against the judicial proceedings, but against the punishment. One can be in favor of harsh penalties and yet against the death penalty," Billstroem said.
Regarding the question of whether the government intends to repatriate the men sentenced to death to serve their sentences in Sweden, the Foreign Minister responded, "We have to come back to that."
The Swedish government is firmly against the death penalty, as stated by the Foreign Ministry, rejecting it under all circumstances, even in the case of Swedes sentenced to death in Iraq for a crime involved in a gang war. International attention has been drawn to this issue, with Sweden actively opposing the execution of the three Swedes sentenced to death and advocating for an alternative form of punishment.
