world
Swedish Police Arrest Iraqi Man on Italian Warrant in Forced Marriage Case
Swedish authorities arrested a 52-year-old Iraqi man on a European warrant from Italy, where he is accused of beating and imprisoning his daughter for refusing an arranged marriage. The case highlights ongoing issues of forced marriages in Europe, with similar incidents reported in Italy, Germany, and Greece. Authorities have issued warnings about risks during school holidays.
May 4, 2:00 AM·3m read1 source
ZE
sbs.com.auAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Swedish authorities arrested a 52-year-old Iraqi man on a European arrest warrant issued by Italian authorities, following allegations of domestic abuse and forced marriage in Taranto, Italy. The arrest stemmed from an investigation opened by Taranto State Police after the young woman filed a complaint in November 2025.
Prosecutors stated that the father demanded his daughter marry a Kurdish man he selected and threatened her with death if she resisted or tried to flee abroad.
The woman had traveled from Iraq to join her family in Taranto, where her father allegedly held her captive inside an apartment and subjected her to violence that left her with injuries requiring 15 days to recover. Police said the pressure forced her to give up work and led to a life of isolation due to fear for her safety.
Relatives reportedly supported the father, viewing the daughter's choices as conflicting with family cultural norms.
The young woman gave evidence under protected arrangements and was moved to a secure facility, where she remains. Investigators discovered the father had left Italy for Sweden, leading to his arrest on the warrant issued after a precautionary detention order by a judge in Taranto.
In a related case, a Bangladeshi couple living in Rimini, Italy, was placed under house arrest in October 2025, accused by prosecutors of forcing their 20-year-old daughter into marriage in Bangladesh.
Prosecutors stated the couple subjected her to threats, abuse, and drugs intended to induce pregnancy. The 20-year-old woman was taken into protective custody after being tricked into traveling to Bangladesh under the false pretense of visiting a sick relative.
