Iraqi authorities have confirmed that a Swedish citizen has been sentenced to death in Iraq, announces the Swedish Foreign Ministry.
Two other Swedes are reported to have been detained for involvement in the murder of a gang criminal, but it is unclear what sentences they have been given.
"There is information that one or two other Swedes may have received the same sentence. These reports have not been confirmed", writes the Foreign Ministry's press office to TT.
Foreign Minister Tobias Billström announced earlier on Thursday that Iraq's top diplomat in Stockholm had been summoned to the Foreign Ministry.
"At the meeting, Sweden's protests against the sentencing of Swedes to death in Iraq were expressed, and demands were made that the death penalty not be carried out", says Billström in a written statement.
Very unclear
He stated at the same time that much remains unclear. One of the purposes of summoning Iraq's chargé d'affaires was to request clarification on the reports of further sentences, writes the Foreign Ministry's press office.
"Even though much remains unclear, it is a serious situation. Sweden's and the EU's stance on the death penalty is very clear. We condemn the application of the death penalty. We oppose it always, everywhere, and under all circumstances", says Billström.
Have been detained
It was at the beginning of January that a man, who previously held a high position in the criminal Foxtrot network in Sweden, was shot dead in Baghdad.
Three Swedish men are reported to have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the murder. Family members of one of the condemned men tell SVT that all of them have now been sentenced to death, which has not yet been confirmed.
Kristersson: To be investigated
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson commented when asked about the reports at a press conference.
We do not know if it is correct, we do not know what they would have been sentenced for. We know that we are determined opponents of the death penalty. Sweden always feels responsible for Swedish citizens, so we will of course investigate the matter further, he says.
