A double murderer who changed legal gender has been transferred to a women's prison, sparking strong reactions. Trans woman Adelina Strand criticizes the decision and warns of risks to women's safety. Politicians demand changes to base placement on biological sex.
Paulus Abdelshahed was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his two children, both under ten years old, in April last year. During interrogation, it emerged that he suffered from gender dysphoria. In prison, Abdelshahed changed legal gender to Lily Abdelshahed and was transferred to a women's facility, according to Aftonbladet.
Trans woman and influencer Adelina Strand, 27, is furious about the decision. "If convicted as a man, one should serve in a men's prison," she says. Strand emphasizes women's safety: "One should never compromise on women's safety. The inmates' safety must be prioritized over an individual's feelings." She fears it will harm trans people who have committed no crimes and suggests protective measures similar to those for pedophiles in men's prisons.
The case has reignited debate over the new gender identity law that took effect on July 1, 2024. The law simplified legal gender changes without requiring a diagnosis and allowed it from age 16. The Moderates pushed it through, but KD and SD voted against. Ebba Busch (KD) wrote on X: "Where the new gender identity law entered – part of common sense exited." Jimmie Åkesson (SD) demands the law be repealed.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M) comments on the case and mentions an ongoing investigation into the prison law. Investigator Fredrik Kärrholm (M) proposes that the Prison and Probation Service base placement on biological sex: "A person born as a man should never be placed in a women's facility, regardless of whether they have transitioned or just changed legal gender." He warns of risks of sexual assaults on women and sees a need for protection for trans people in men's prisons.
RFSL chair Lovise Brade is appalled: "We see major risks that this will lead to suspicions against trans people." The law is for ordinary people suffering mental health issues, not criminals, she says.
