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23 people are accused of being involved in extensive drug deals in the Stockholm suburb of Vårberg. As DN reported, the crime was rolled up after police installed hidden cameras in basements, where large amounts of drugs and money could be filmed up close.
Several people who were present during the long trial at the Södertörn District Court testify about the constant unrest and the remarkably aggressive tone of some of the detainees. The more than twenty prison guards who are tasked with taking detainees in and out of the room have raised the alarm several times to superiors, even after one of them was threatened.
– We reacted from the beginning to how the goal was handled in an orderly and safe manner. The experience is that, sadly, the court has lost control from the start and has not had the ability to set limits, says Magnus Brusbäck, head of the national transport unit of the Swedish Prison and Probation Service.
The image is confirmed by a letter. who last week came to court from the prosecutors in the case, Paulina Brandberg and Lars Ågren.
“The disturbances, which have been taking place since the beginning of the trial, affect the possibilities of conducting the trial in a legally safe manner,” state prosecutors, who for their part qualify the work environment as “unacceptable.”
Already a couple of weeks earlier, Paulina Brandberg and Lars Ågren had reported the situation to their boss Lise Tamm, who heads the national unit against international and organized crime of the Prosecutor’s Office. Lise Tamm went to court and, by her own account, was horrified by what she experienced.
– I myself have had complicated negotiations, but have never experienced something like this. Reports such as “whores”, “cunts” and “Nazis” were yelled out loud and at times it was so tumultuous that the court had no control over the situation, says Lise Tamm.
Since then, the problems have accelerated. Among other things, the defendant, according to DN sources, made a “pig noise” and made dismissive comments when drug police were called as witnesses. And when the head of the investigation into the case was questioned on Tuesday, he was subjected to such a violent outburst that a report of abuse was made in court.
– One of the main defendants shouted that the female relatives of the police officer would be exposed to various crimes, says one of DN’s sources.
In both the Public Ministry and the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, the opinion is that the Södertörn District Court has acted too passively and has shown too much tolerance towards the accused.
– During my visit, the president of the court was a bit stern and frowned, but avoided acting, says Chief Prosecutor Lise Tamm.
– It is the president who sets the bar and here is the general perception that he has been unusually mishandled. Our staff have the opportunity to make sure you are calm and if someone yawns and yells, we are used to acting. But instead he feels like he’s been left behind by a president who doesn’t want him to intervene, says Magnus Brusbäck of the Swedish Prison and Probation Service.
Photo: Magnus Hallgren
Photo: Magnus Hallgren
The president of the caseCouncilor Sara Rosén says she doesn’t acknowledge the criticism and calls everything “very worrying.”
– The court maintains a permanent dialogue with the prison services coordinator on site several times a day and we have had the impression that it has been a good collaboration. Of course, some of the accused have at times had difficulty behaving in an acceptable manner, but there have also been reprimands and deportations. At the same time, it must be remembered that these are young people who have been detained for a long time and then it is quite obvious that you want to express yourself and give your opinion.
One of the deportees is the man who is now being investigated for assault in court.
– Misrepresentations are never acceptable and the court is considering fining you. Fines signify a mark and can have a deterrent effect, says Sara Rosén.
However, the prosecution does not believe that is enough, but has demanded that the man and another be permanently placed in separate interrogation rooms. Decisions are expected during the week.
– We hope that the court will comply with our request, says Paulina Brandberg to DN.
NOTE. The trial is temporarily suspended after one of the attorneys was suspended for having smuggled in letters to his client in custody. A new defender will now be appointed.
