The boy was assigned to detonate an explosive device in Östberga in southern Stockholm by a now 23-year-old man, highly placed in a criminal network in Huddinge.
The contact was made through a friend of the 15-year-old. Another boy of the same age is said to have encouraged him to carry out the mission, which, according to the investigation, was ordered by the Foxtrot network in an attempt to blackmail a person at the address.
Now the 23-year-old has been convicted of instigating serious public destruction, while the two young people have been convicted of aiding and abetting.
Ten years in prison
The man, who was also convicted of assault, was sentenced to ten years and ten months in prison. The 15-year-olds were sentenced to one year in closed youth care.
The 23-year-old and one of the boys were also charged with causing the 15-year-old's death, but were acquitted on that count. According to Södertörn District Court, the investigation shows that the deceased voluntarily handled the bomb and exposed himself to risk.
"Despite his young age, he had the opportunity to assess the risk. The fact that he deliberately exposed himself to danger means that the instigator and the 15-year-old are not responsible for his death," says Chief Councilor Maria Hallqvist in a comment.
Prosecutor Lukas Tigerstrand believed that it could be manslaughter, especially since the boy was so young.
"My view has been that children have a poorer ability to assess risks and consequences, which is what I reasoned when I brought charges," he says.
Exploded in his hands
It was around 9pm on August 22 last year that a powerful explosion took place in Östberga. Afterwards, the 15-year-old was found dead at the scene.
Exactly what happened is unclear, but a likely scenario is that he panicked when he saw that a man had spotted him as he was about to place the bomb. In questioning, the witness described how the boy ran from the scene and, just as he rounded a corner, a loud bang was heard.
According to the investigation, he had lit the bomb and was holding it when it detonated. He died instantly.
According to Lukas Tigerstrand, the boy was drawn in through his group of friends at school.
"This is something that happens all the time in Sweden. What is special is that this boy died. I think it is important that society somehow stands up and unites against this, at all levels. I don't think that just prosecutors and police can deal with this on their own."
