True crime criticism grows: Swedish murder stories are blamed by several relatives

The cultural news review shows that relatives 'testimonies about their dead family members are being played to hundreds of thousands of listeners in Swedish true crime podcasts - without the families' knowledge and against their will.

In the past, the testimonies have been about the trial podium, but now the criticism is growing: The cultural news has talked to five families whose cases have been included in the pod Swedish murder stories. Here, too, families mean that the programs are done unethically - without dialogue with relatives and against their will.

Two of the victims are Emma and Roland Jangestig, mother and grandfather of the two children who were murdered in Arboga in 2008, one year and three years old. Emma was badly injured in the attack, but survived. When Swedish murder stories made a section on the case, it came as a shock.

- We had no idea that they made a section about us, and got to know it by chance, says Roland Jangestig to the Culture News.

How does one feel as a relative and a victim of crime in this way of working?

- It's awful. We have already gone through the worst that can happen: I have lost two children, had to tell them about it in trials, been questioned, and when it is finally over… Yes then everything is pulled up again. Who are those who get that right? ”Says Emma Jangestig.

Swedish murder stories are Sweden's third largest true crime podcast, with 97,000 listeners each week. When we contact podiatrist Sebastian Krantz for an interview about the criticism of the relatives, he first thanks yes. He says he wants to consult with his partner and distributor - radio giant Bauer Media - before the interview.

The communication then ceases, and the Culture News has in vain sought him for a comment for the past two days.

Both Roland and Emma Jangestig now want to see stricter rules for press ethics or new legislation that protects relatives and victims from the progress of true crime creators.

- I hope for a legal system that will protect our victims in the future. Because this can't go on, we have to feel safe when we sit in the courtroom and tell us what we've been up to, says Emma Jangestig.

- Relatives can't take these battles, many don't even get out of bed. But whoever posts this way must be able to be held accountable, and those affected must have somewhere to turn, says Roland Jangestig.