Sweden is facing intense political debate after the high-profile case of the rape of 16-year-old student Meya Merg in Lefteå in September 2024. Meya, returning home on foot after her shift at McDonald's, was attacked by refugee Yazid Mohamed. He dragged her into a tunnel, robbed and raped her. The victim managed to escape and notified the police, later identifying her attacker at her school.
Despite substantial evidence, the lower court initially acquitted Mohamed after a tied vote: two lay judges affiliated with the Social Democratic and Centre parties voted for acquittal, while the other two supported conviction. Swedish law means a tie leads to acquittal. Only after an appeal was Mohamed sentenced to three years in prison for rape, but he was not deported due to his refugee status.
The acquittal and decision not to deport caused a stir in Swedish society and politics. Calls for immigration policy reform and for tougher measures against criminal offenders have increased, boosting support for right-leaning parties. Statistics show that the majority of rapes are committed by migrants of non-European origin.
Meya’s case has become a catalyst for planned reforms in Sweden, particularly around easier deportations and improved safety measures. Denmark’s stricter migration policies are under discussion as a model. Society and political leaders are now demanding changes to balance humanitarian obligations with citizens’ safety.
