Sweden protests against the death penalty for three Swedes in Iraq and says a fourth case has not been confirmed

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Sweden’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday it would summon Iraq’s chargé d’affaires to Stockholm to protest death sentences imposed on Swedes in Iraq.

Last month, Stockholm protested against a death sentence against a Swede. On Thursday, two more cases were confirmed, bringing the total to at least three Swedes sentenced to death in Iraq in recent weeks. All three cases are linked to a fatal shooting earlier this year, the Foreign Ministry said.

The ministry said it had also received information that a fourth Swedish citizen had been sentenced to death, possibly related to drugs. However, there were “certain uncertainties regarding the identity of the person, which is why the Foreign Ministry cannot confirm the verdict at this time,” it said.

“We are committed to ensuring that the sentences are not carried out,” the ministry said, adding that Sweden condemns any use of the death penalty. “We are against it always, everywhere and under all circumstances,” it said.

The ministry said it was in contact with the Swedes and their families, but declined to provide further details, citing data protection regulations.

According to Swedish media, the three Swedes are accused of involvement in the murder of a criminal in Iraq. The murder earlier this year is believed to be linked to a gang war between two Swedish groups that has resulted in numerous murders and attempted murders, some of which took place outside Sweden. The Foxtrot network and its rival Rumba have been involved in deadly feuds for years.