Title: Turkey’s Refusal to Extradite Kurdish Fox Frustrates Sweden
Date: [Insert Date]
In a concerning turn of events, Rawa Majid, popularly known as the “Kurdish Fox,” remains out of Sweden’s reach as he has now acquired Turkish citizenship. This development has posed a significant obstacle for Swedish authorities seeking to extradite him and hold him accountable for his alleged crimes. Majid has been internationally wanted since August 2020 but has managed to evade justice thus far.
Former ambassador to Turkey, Michael Sahlin, explained the complexities involved in extraditing a person with citizenship, particularly one who is internationally wanted and has faced prior prosecution. According to Sahlin, a person with citizenship cannot be extradited, which applies to Majid as well.
However, in the wake of recent acts of violence, pressure is mounting on the government to take action and bring the gang leader back to Sweden. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) acknowledged the demands but pointed out that neither Turkey nor Sweden extradites their own citizens. Kristersson emphasized that effective police cooperation is crucial to convicting individuals of crimes even if they are residing in a different country.
Meanwhile, Lise Tamm, former head of Rio (the national unit against international and organized crime), expressed her belief that Turkey could prosecute the “Kurdish Fox” if an agreement is reached between the two countries. Tamm explained that usually, the requesting state (Sweden) provides the evidence it possesses, which is then translated, in this case, into Turkish, to facilitate the proceedings in Turkey.
Once the evidence is handed over, the decision of whether to pursue the case in Turkish courts rests with Turkey. Tamm reiterated that it is solely up to Turkey to make an assessment of the evidence’s sufficiency for prosecution, after which charges can be filed against Majid.
The relationship and police contacts between Sweden and Turkey have always existed, but recently, there appears to have been an intensification due to Turkey’s demands on Sweden as a condition for their potential NATO membership. Sahlin noted this changing dynamic, stating that it is not solely about Turkey making demands on Sweden but also about Sweden being able to make counter-demands.
As the “Kurdish Fox” remains beyond Sweden’s jurisdiction, the Swedish government waits anxiously for Turkey’s decision on whether to try Majid in their courts. In the meantime, efforts to maintain effective police cooperation between the two nations continue, though recent developments may have strained the relationship.
It is yet to be seen how this standoff will unfold and impact international efforts to combat organized crime. As the situation evolves, it becomes imperative for Swedish authorities to explore alternative avenues to ensure justice is served and the safety of its citizens is maintained.
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