Swedish Court Rules Eritrean Refugee Convicted of Rape Can Stay

A Swedish court has determined that an Eritrean refugee convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl will not be deported after completing his prison sentence. The court’s decision came amid significant public scrutiny over the justice system’s handling of sexual assault cases involving migrants. The ruling was reported on Wednesday by various news outlets, including La Derecha Diario.

On September 1, 2024, the defendant, Yazied Mohamed, allegedly assaulted Meya Åberg as she walked home from her job at McDonald’s after missing her bus. The incident was promptly reported to the authorities by Åberg’s family. Following a trial, Mohamed was sentenced to three years in prison for the crime.

The Alto Norrland Court of Appeals ruled that the duration of the assault did not meet the threshold for what is considered an “exceptionally serious crime.” 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 referenced a United Nations (UN) rule from 1951 regarding the status of refugees, which protects them from deportation except in extreme cases. The court concluded that there was no current threat to public order from Mohamed, allowing him to remain in Sweden following his sentence.

Public reaction has been mixed, with many expressing outrage over the ruling. Critics argue that the decision highlights a troubling trend in which some migrants receive lenient sentences for serious crimes, particularly sexual assaults. A report from a Swedish public broadcaster in 2018 indicated that 58% of all rapes or attempted rapes in Sweden were committed by foreign nationals.

The case has reignited discussions about the balance between refugee rights and public safety in Sweden, a country that has seen a significant influx of migrants in recent years. As the legal system continues to navigate these complex issues, the implications of this ruling may resonate beyond the courtroom, influencing public opinion and policy regarding immigration and crime.