"Such a processing time is naturally not acceptable in a case of this kind", writes Chief Ombudsman Erik Nymansson in the decision according to the trade union newspaper Publikt.
He finds that six main hearings have been cancelled, and that on five occasions it was due to oversights or "almost pure negligence" on the part of the district court.
"This is naturally remarkable and conveys an image of the district court lacking functioning routines and adequate resources for its case management", writes the Ombudsman.
Nymansson emphasizes that those involved have the right to expect a more thoughtful processing.
"In the long run, it may entail a risk of damaging the public's confidence in the judiciary. Overall, I am very critical of how the district court has handled the case", he writes.
