Leif GW Persson expects the government to approve Thomas Allgén and Teet Härm's request for "ex gratia" and provide them with compensation. He believes that anything else would be unthinkable at this point.
If he (Gunnar Strömmer) doesn't do it, the next government will probably do it. In terms of substance, it's pretty much settled. But you never know with Strömmer, says the well-known criminologist.
"I think this will take some time," he adds.
He says it is obvious that the men named deserve an apology from the highest authority.
This is probably the biggest abuse of rights we have committed in the post-war period. It's on par with Haijby and Kejne and things like that.
Allgén and Härm were charged in 1988 with the murder of 27-year-old Catrine da Costa, who was found dismembered in Stockholm in 1984. The District Court acquitted the men, but at the same time ruled that they had dismembered the woman. The statute of limitations for violating the peace had expired, and the men were not convicted of it.
Because they were acquitted on all counts, they could not appeal the court's finding regarding the dismemberment.
Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (M) has not yet commented on the case.
"Like many others, I have followed the da Costa case for the past few decades. It is an unusual case that was brought to light again this year when SVT made a documentary," he says in a written comment to TT.
"The application will be prepared in the usual manner. The government will then make a decision. We will therefore return to the issue," he continues.
