In the fall of 2024, a Norwegian man was arrested by Swedish police in Strömstad, suspected of murdering a woman in Trollhättan. The investigation was later transferred to Norwegian authorities, who subsequently prosecuted him.
He was previously sentenced to eight years in prison in Norway for aiding and abetting a suicide in Strömstad in 2023.
However, four other cases – in Norrköping, Nyköping, Västerås and Trollhättan/Stockholm – have been investigated in Sweden.
Sent medicines
The man was charged in May with incitement to suicide but has now been acquitted on all charges, according to Vänersborg District Court.
According to the indictment, the man sent instructions on how to commit suicide after contacting the people via a Facebook page about active euthanasia. He also sent medication to two of the people.
"The investigation shows that the man has sent medicine and/or instructions to the plaintiffs on how to take their own lives," said prosecutor Carina Gustafsson in connection with the indictment.
Denies crime
The man has confirmed the events, but denied any wrongdoing.
However, simply providing aid is not enough to convict someone of the crime of incitement to suicide, according to the district court.
"The fact that the plaintiffs themselves have asked for the material does not in itself exclude criminal liability. But nothing has come to light that shows that the man has influenced the plaintiffs' desire to take their own lives or that his actions have had the offensive and reckless elements that the criminal provision requires," says Attorney General Niclas Johannisson, the court's chairman, in a press release.
In emergencies or if you have thoughts of suicide, always call 112.
This is where you can turn if you feel unwell:
Mind.se.
Suicide Zero – suicidezero.se.
Spes – National Association for Suicide Prevention and Survivor Support. spes.se.
Bris – children's rights in society. bris.se.
Save the Children – raddabarnen.se. Also for parents.
Alcoholics Anonymous – aa.se.
On-call buddy – receives calls from children and young people up to the age of 25. jourhavandekompis.se.
On-call fellow human being – can be reached at night on 08–702 16 80.
Friends – friends.se.
1177 – healthcare advice and information about the nearest psychiatric emergency department. 1177.se
National mental health and suicide prevention helpline – reachable 24/7 at 90390.
