It was on the third of November 2020 that 25-year-old Ziad was shot dead with several shots at the University of Borås. A 22-year-old man is facing charges of murder.
The suspected 22-year-old has not wanted to talk in questioning. But he allegedly told his cell neighbor, with whom he was in custody, that it was he, along with another person, who allegedly shot Ziad. Something that the cell neighbor then told – to the police.
Crown witness could become prosecutor's trump card
It's an unusual trial that kicks off on Thursday. It is one of the first trials in Sweden, where a crown witness is used. That is, a person who, by testifying, can receive a lighter punishment for his own crimes.
But there are major risks with the new crown witness system. This is the opinion of Anna Kaldal, professor of procedural law at Stockholm University.
At risk of retaliation
"On the one hand, this is a way to get at gang crime, on the other hand, this system can give birth to further crime," she says.
She says the person who comes forward and testifies risks being subjected to reprisals.
"If you encourage people to give evidence, who may be afraid to testify for good reason, it can mean great risks for them.
The Prosecutor's Office in Borås confirms to SVT Nyheter Väst that it is about a so-called crown witness. However, prosecutor Andreas Ekengren does not want to comment on the case before the trial is concluded
Hear Anna Kaldal tell us more in the clip above.