Feb 11 • 13:03 UTC 🇸🇪 Sweden Aftonbladet

Murdered woman reported rape – police acquitted

A police officer was acquitted despite failing to file a report when a young woman disclosed her father's rape, which tragically led to her murder.

A police officer, charged with misconduct for not reporting a young woman's rape allegation against her father, has been acquitted by the Luleå district court. The incident came to light when the woman, who was later found murdered by her father, disclosed her ordeal prior to her death. The court ruled that although the police officer was obligated to file a report, the misconduct was deemed minor since she was acting in a rapidly unfolding situation that primarily involved personal protection.

The woman was discovered murdered in Lessebo in May 2024, about six months after her initial disclosure. In the ensuing investigation, her father and brother were convicted of murder and grave violation of grave peace; the father received a life sentence while the brother was sentenced to 16 years in prison. The Växjö district court classified the crime as an honor killing, highlighting the severe implications tied to familial pressures and expectations.

This case raises critical questions about police responsibilities and the measures in place to protect vulnerable individuals from domestic abuse. The acquittal of the officer, while based on specific legal interpretations, has sparked discussions regarding systemic failures in addressing complaints related to sexual violence and the protection of potential victims, emphasizing the urgency for reform in how such cases are managed by law enforcement.

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