Court Rules Eritrean Refugee Convicted of Rape Can Remain in Sweden

A Swedish court has determined that Yazied Mohamed, an Eritrean refugee convicted of raping Meya Åberg, will not face deportation after serving his three-year prison sentence. The ruling, issued by the Alto Norrland Court of Appeals, concluded that the duration of the incident did not classify it as an “exceptionally serious crime” under Swedish law.

The sexual assault occurred on September 1, 2024, when Åberg, then 16, was walking home from her job at McDonald’s after missing her bus. She was reportedly attacked in a pedestrian tunnel, prompting her family to report the incident immediately. Mohamed was subsequently convicted and sentenced to three years in prison for his actions.

In its decision, the court referred to international guidelines, specifically a United Nations rule established in 1951, which protects refugee status except in extreme circumstances. The court stated that “each case must be evaluated individually” and determined that Mohamed’s actions did not constitute a threat to public order, thereby allowing him to remain in Sweden post-sentence.

This ruling has sparked discussions about the handling of sexual assault cases involving refugees and migrants in Europe. Reports indicate that there have been similar instances in which individuals received minimal penalties for sexual offenses. A 2018 report by a Swedish public broadcaster revealed that 58% of all rapes or attempted rapes in Sweden were committed by foreigners, raising concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks.

The court’s decision highlights the complexity of balancing legal protections for refugees with the need to address serious offenses. Critics argue that the ruling undermines the severity of sexual crimes and may contribute to a perception of leniency towards offenders. As debates continue, the case of Yazied Mohamed serves as a focal point for discussions on immigration, public safety, and the justice system in Sweden.