On Thursday, October 3, the verdict will be announced in the well-guarded trial following the shooting death of 20-year-old Eric Torell last year. Three police officers are charged - two of the three police officers who fired their weapons at Eric Torell as well as the interim chief who led the operation.

Despite the fact that two of the bullets hit Eric Torell in the back, many point to the fact that the police will be acquitted. At least the experts believe that.

- It is difficult to say without having been present in court, but I would not be surprised if they are released, says lawyer Viktor Banke who has followed the case.

Time is an important factor

Viktor Banke's conclusion that the district court will free the police who fired their weapons depends on three criteria:

  • Police are often in vulnerable situations where they are forced to defend themselves
  • It was dark outside when Eric Torell was shot, in addition there was information about an armed person nearby
  • The shooting itself went on in just a few seconds

- It is above all the time that I think about. When you have been told how fast it actually went when all these shots were fired ... it usually indicates that it will be a pretty generous assessment when it comes to emergency protection, says Viktor Banke.

He recalls that the police have a fairly strong support in the emergency law in the light of their profession.

- There are, above all, two factors when it comes to perceived or really emergency protection and it is the danger that threatens or that you feel threatened and the time you have to choose other alternatives.

Unclear exactly when the killing shot was fired

Ulrika Borg, a lawyer at KRIM's lawyers, agrees with the argument and believes that the defense expects a free judgment on the two prosecutors who were present.

There are several reasons for this, including that it is unclear exactly when the killing shot was fired and whether or not it was covered by the emergency protection right.

- But when it comes to the interim leader who is charged with malpractice, it is possible that the prosecutor may have a little easier to succeed, says Ulrika Borg.

The fact that police violence is tried in court is not unique, even when it comes to shooting.

- What is unique is that it is so incredibly tragic. Then I think this should be brought into a larger discussion about police force use overall and how the organization looks. Are the right people in the right places in terms of experience and the like? I hope the police will take whatever the outcome of the case with them, ”says Viktor Banke.