Somali-Swede faces trial over alleged honour killing of pregnant girlfriend

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Friday April 5, 2024

Prosecutors claim that Mohamedamin Abdirisek Ibrahim (pictured together), 22, killed his pregnant partner in April.

Update: This article has been updated to include additional context in the second-to-last paragraph regarding the concept of honour killings.

Stockholm (HOL) - A 20-year-old pregnant woman, Saga Forsgren Elneborg, was found strangled in her apartment in Örebro, Sweden, police allege. Her boyfriend, 22-year-old Mohamedamin Abdirisek Ibrahim, a Somali-Swede, stands accused of the crime in a case that has gripped Sweden. His trial is set for April 10.

Elneborg was seven months pregnant when she was killed in April 2023.

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Prosecutors assert that the motive for the killing was rooted in cultural and familial pressures. Ibrahim reportedly feared the reaction of his family to his pre-marital relationship with Forsgren Elneborg, described as a 'white' woman from a different cultural background. The couple had maintained their two-year relationship in secrecy, with Ibrahim allegedly planning to reveal their situation to his family on the night of Forsgren Elneborg's death.

The state prosecutor, Elisabeth Anderson, detailed the allegations: "The accused carried out a deliberate act of violence against Ms. Forsgren Elneborg, leading to her untimely death and the death of their unborn child." She went on to say, "The act was carried out in an honour context, intended to resolve perceived dishonour brought on by the victim's relationship with Ibrahim." The prosecution claims the case is supported by evidence, including text message exchanges between the couple that reveal Ibrahim's anxiety and fear about disclosing their relationship and pregnancy to his family.

These messages, part of the prosecutor's evidence, show Ibrahim's conflicted emotions. In one, he wrote, "Feels like I can almost feel my heartbeat all the way down to my stomach," expressing his apprehension about disclosing the relationship. Forsgren Elneborg's responses were supportive, encouraging him to say, "It will be fine."

The crime scene, detailed in a 1,000-page police report, contained images of a lamp cord allegedly used in the murder, alongside visuals of Forsgren Elneborg's residence, including the planned nursery for their baby.

It took over a year for Ibrahim to face charges for the murder of Ms. Forsgren.

Authorities have clarified that there is no evidence implicating Ibrahim's family in the crime. Furthermore, while Ibrahim faces charges for the murder of Forsgren Elneborg, he has not been charged with the death of the unborn child.

Honour killing is the murder of a person, whether an outsider or a family member, by individuals who believe they are defending their personal or family honour and reputation. The killing happens when they feel the individual has harmed their or their family's social standing. While honour or shame killings do occur, they are uncommon in Somali culture, where isolation or ex-communication is more commonly used.

The court proceedings, scheduled to begin on April 10, will examine the motivations and circumstances that led up to the tragic incident. Both the prosecution and defence are preparing to present their arguments in a 15-day trial. Ibrahim has denied any wrongdoing, asserting to the police during questioning that he loved Ms. Forsgren and is still in shock over her passing. "I have been in denial for nine months now," he stated. He is expected to plead not guilty.

A handout picture released by local police shows Mohamedamin Abdirisek Ibrahim.

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