Swedish jihadist sentenced to life for involvement in burning Jordanian pilot alive in IS cage execution.

STOCKHOLM, Aug 1 — A Swedish court on Thursday sentenced jihadist Osama Krayem to life imprisonment for his role in the 2015 murder of Jordanian pilot Maaz al-Kassasbeh, who was burned alive by the Islamic State (IS) in Syria—a crime that sparked global outrage.

This marks the first trial worldwide over the killing.

Presiding Judge Anna Liljenberg Gullesjo stated that Krayem was present at the execution site, wearing a uniform and carrying a weapon, and knowingly allowed himself to be filmed. Though the fire was lit by another individual, the court found Krayem's involvement—guarding the victim, escorting him to the cage, and remaining during the execution—was substantial enough to classify him as a direct perpetrator.

Krayem, already serving sentences for the 2015 Paris and 2016 Brussels terror attacks, was convicted of serious war crimes and terrorist offences. The court also awarded 80,000 Swedish kronor (US$8,200) in compensation to each of the pilot’s immediate family members.

The victim’s brother, Jawdat al-Kassasbeh, who attended the trial, said the verdict brought some comfort and expressed gratitude to Sweden’s justice system. Despite Krayem’s silence during the proceedings, the court found the evidence presented—including interrogation recordings—sufficient for conviction.

The family’s lawyer, Mikael Westerlund, criticised Krayem for showing no remorse, stating that instead of being traumatised by the crime, he appeared inspired to continue his extremist activities.

Krayem, a native of Malmö, was temporarily transferred from France for the trial under a nine-month agreement and must return by December 27. Jordanian officials welcomed the verdict as a vital step toward justice. — AFP