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Sweden Today

Swedish news in English

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Court Denies Damages in Tragic Case of Drowned Boy

Published: 2024-04-12

In June 2021, five-year-old John Walter mysteriously disappeared from a HVB home in Hagfors, Sweden, and was later found dead in a nearby river.

The tragic incident led to a legal battle, with John's parents seeking damages from Falu municipality, which had placed him in the home.

Despite initial convictions of two staff members for involuntary manslaughter, an appeals court later acquitted them.

The parents' subsequent claim for 972,400 SEK in compensation was denied by the court, ruling that the municipality did not violate John's right to life.

The decision has sparked controversy and promises of an appeal, highlighting significant concerns over child safety and municipal accountability in Sweden.