The prosecutor ruled that neither the identity nor the allegiance of the people killed was of crucial importance, since they were in any case protected under public international law, regardless of whether they had been combatants or civilians.
This indictment, in which the prosecutor cited violation of personal dignity in connection with an armed conflict, is the first of its kind in Sweden. The culprit admitted his presence in the pictures, yet denied the charges, claiming that he was coerced into participation. The district court, however, did not find anything to support his cause and ruled that the images rather gave the impression of voluntary participation.
In summer, the 24-year-old was convicted of robbery, in which he participated by pointing out his relatives' apartment to his associates. Subsequently, the apartment was emptied of valuables, jewelry, cell phones and cash. The half-year-sentence for the war crimes will be therefore added to the three years and six months' sentence the man is currently serving. Upon release, he should be deported and barred entry to Sweden until 2026.
Prosecutor Hanna Lemoine is satisfied with how the court handled the case, as the verdict is of fundamental importance for future cases as a starting point.
"Today, lots of pictures of similar character from among others the Syrian war, are being posted on the Internet," Hanna Lemoine told Aftonbladet.
The prosecution, which initially demanded two years in prison, will now analyze the possibility of appealing for a tougher sentence.
