SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Summons Iraqi Diplomat after Death Sentences

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) is summoning Iraq's chargé d'affaires to protest against the death sentences in Iraq against three Swedish citizens. Prison sentences can be imposed instead, says Foreign Minister Tobias Billström (The Moderate Party).

» Updated: 16 July 2024, 14:47

» Published: 04 July 2024

Summons Iraqi Diplomat after Death Sentences
Photo: Caisa Rasmussen/TT

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) is summoning Iraq's chargé d'affaires to protest against the death sentences in Iraq against three Swedish citizens.

One can impose prison sentences instead, says Foreign Minister Tobias Billström (M).

He states that the information about the death sentences is very serious and that the MFA is acting to prevent the sentences from being carried out.

At the government's summer press conference with journalists, Billström confirmed that there are three Swedes who have been sentenced to death for being involved in a fatal shooting in Iraq.

When asked why the MFA is taking such a strong stance and condemning the death sentences against the three men who have been identified as gang criminals, Billström responds:

We always oppose the death penalty, regardless of where it occurs or who it is directed against. It is a matter of principle.

The victim of the shooting has also been identified as a gang criminal.

Serious matters

According to the Foreign Minister, it is "completely irrelevant" whether the men are gang criminals or not.

The death penalty is something we always oppose, in all contexts, says Billström.

One can impose prison sentences instead.

The MFA will now summon Iraq's chargé d'affaires to protest against the death sentences.

These are serious matters that they have been charged with. We do not oppose the legal process, but the penalty. One can be in favor of harsh penalties and still be against the death penalty, says Billström.

Unconfirmed information

When asked whether the government has the ambition to get the condemned men back to Sweden to serve their prison sentences here, Billström initially responds that "we will get back to that".

He adds later, however:

There is no principle that says one must be transferred to Sweden to serve one's prison sentence on Swedish territory. It is also possible to do so in other places.

The Foreign Minister also states that the MFA has unconfirmed information that a fourth Swedish citizen has been sentenced to death, for drug-related crimes.

Sweden's embassy in Baghdad is in contact with local authorities and has had some contact with the detained individuals, as well as with their relatives.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Sniffed out 502 million - Skip gets customs prize
1 MIN READ

Sniffed out 502 million - Skip gets customs prize

Hospital missed kidney cancer – patient died
1 MIN READ

Hospital missed kidney cancer – patient died

Young Women Are Most Affected by Stress
2 MIN READ

Young Women Are Most Affected by Stress

Three people arrested for fatal shooting in Akalla
1 MIN READ

Three people arrested for fatal shooting in Akalla

Experts on the oil lobby: Very alarming
2 MIN READ

Experts on the oil lobby: Very alarming

Winter weather on the way – "crazy pressure" on tire changes
2 MIN READ

Winter weather on the way – "crazy pressure" on tire changes

Demanding Return to Previous Journal System
1 MIN READ

Demanding Return to Previous Journal System

Boom in second-hand perfume - even among guys
3 MIN READ

Boom in second-hand perfume - even among guys

Rushed out for a hand grenade – was a dog toy
1 MIN READ

Rushed out for a hand grenade – was a dog toy

The Minister on Threats: Very Alarming
1 MIN READ

The Minister on Threats: Very Alarming

Was Beaten, Threatened, and Mocked at Work
3 MIN READ

Was Beaten, Threatened, and Mocked at Work

Trump's victory a warning signal for the Social Democrats
2 MIN READ

Trump's victory a warning signal for the Social Democrats

Winter Arrives in Sweden – Difficult Weather Ahead
1 MIN READ

Winter Arrives in Sweden – Difficult Weather Ahead

Explosion at gate in Stockholm – man arrested
1 MIN READ

Explosion at gate in Stockholm – man arrested

More trains – but worse punctuality
1 MIN READ

More trains – but worse punctuality

Hunter killed by tree in the gale
1 MIN READ

Hunter killed by tree in the gale

Patient Sent Home from Emergency Room - Had a Stroke
1 MIN READ

Patient Sent Home from Emergency Room - Had a Stroke

Mini Pony Killed in Wolf Attack
1 MIN READ

Mini Pony Killed in Wolf Attack

Plane lands at Arlanda after smoke alarm
1 MIN READ

Plane lands at Arlanda after smoke alarm

Nine sheep killed by wolf in Töreboda
1 MIN READ

Nine sheep killed by wolf in Töreboda