Swedish Court Allows Refugee Convicted of Rape to Remain

A Swedish court has decided that an Eritrean refugee, convicted of raping a teenager, will not face deportation after completing his prison sentence. The Alto Norrland Court of Appeals ruled that the duration of the incident was insufficient to classify it as an “exceptionally serious crime,” which would warrant expulsion from the country.

The case involves Yazied Mohamed, who was convicted of sexually assaulting Meya Åberg, then aged 16, on September 1, 2024. The assault occurred as Åberg was walking home from her job at McDonald’s after missing her bus. According to a report by La Derecha Diario, Åberg’s family promptly reported the crime to the authorities.

Despite being sentenced to three years in prison for the crime, the court’s decision has sparked controversy. The court stated, “Rape is, in many cases, considered an exceptionally serious offense that could justify the deportation of a refugee. However, each case must be evaluated individually. Given the nature and duration of the incident, the court considers that it doesn’t constitute an exceptionally serious crime that warrants deportation.” This decision is based on the interpretation of a United Nations (UN) 1951 rule regarding the status of refugees, which protects individuals from deportation except in extreme circumstances.

The court concluded that there was no immediate threat to public order, allowing Mohamed to remain in Sweden following his sentence. This ruling reflects ongoing discussions in Europe about the treatment of migrants in cases of sexual assault. A 2018 report from a Swedish public broadcaster revealed that 58% of rapes or attempted rapes in Sweden were committed by foreign nationals, raising concerns among the public regarding how such cases are handled.

As the societal debate continues, this case highlights the complexities of balancing legal protections for refugees with the need for public safety. The decision has drawn attention not only for its implications for Mohamed but also for the broader context of refugee status and criminal accountability in Sweden.