Five teenage boys have been charged for their involvement in an attempted murder of Iranian commentator Arvin Khoshnood, according to Swedish media reports. The boys, aged 15 to 17, allegedly took on a contract killing assignment to murder Khoshnood, who has been an outspoken critic of the Iranian regime.
The attack reportedly occurred on the evening of September 2, when one 17-year-old armed with a knife allegedly climbed over a fence into Khoshnood's garden and knocked on his door asking for him. Khoshnood, who had previously been warned by Swedish Security Service (Säpo) about threats against him, called emergency services instead of answering.
I feel terrible, I am very scared.
Prosecutor Per-Erik Rinsell described the case as involving "crime as a service," where teenagers allegedly take assignments from gang-connected individuals. According to the charges, the boys were to be paid for the knife attack, with one suspect reportedly taking the job to pay off a debt.
Arvin Khoshnood and his family are currently living in hiding under Säpo protection. In an interview with TV4 Nyheterna, Khoshnood stated, "I feel terrible, I am very scared." He believes the Iranian regime is behind the attack, saying it represents how the regime orders terrorist acts against opposition figures in Sweden, including through the use of criminal children and networks.
It represents how the regime orders terrorist acts against opposition figures in Sweden, including through the use of criminal children and networks.
Khoshnood expressed relief that charges have been filed but emphasized the ongoing threat, stating he and his family have been forced to leave their home, friends, and lives. The investigation to identify who ordered the attack is reportedly still ongoing.