Concerns Rise as Child is Victim of Alleged Sexual Assault at Swedish Migration Agency Facility

Last Tuesday, Swedish authorities received a call regarding a serious incident at the Migration Agency's return center located at Arlanda Hotellby, near Märsta. The alarm was raised following a suspected serious crime that reportedly took place the previous Monday, resulting in one person being hospitalized. While police and agency officials have remained tight-lipped about the investigation, it has emerged that a child is suspected to have been subjected to a serious sexual assault within the facility, according to documents reviewed by DN. Josefine Paulsen, a child psychologist at Save the Children, emphasized the organization's concerns about the safety and protection risks that have long been associated with this facility. "We take seriously that responsible authorities have been aware of these risks for some time," she stated. Reports from Aftonbladet indicate that the alleged assault took place near restrooms in a basement area located under the dining room. Despite the gravity of the situation, Save the Children, the Migration Agency, and the prosecutor overseeing the preliminary investigation, Urszula Grabowska, have opted not to comment on the specific case. Melissa Toutounge Aksöz, the legal representative for the affected child, also refrained from providing details, citing confidentiality in the preliminary investigation. She expressed her commitment to ensuring the child’s safety and adherence to legal protocols. Aksöz noted her communication with the child's guardians, who sought accommodation from the Migration Agency and were placed in the troubled facility. She voiced her concern about the family's well-being following the incident, indicating they are experiencing significant distress. "The environment there is, in my opinion, unsuitable for families with children," she asserted, highlighting that the shared living spaces for children and adults – including men and women – have contributed to an atmosphere of insecurity at the center. Long-standing problems at the Märsta accommodation have been well-documented, with previous reports of violence and conflict. Save the Children has raised alarms regarding the safety of children residing in the facility, and they recently filed a joint report expressing concern for all minors at the return center. Reports also indicate that other families have been impacted by last week’s incident. In the aftermath of the event, DN reached out to residents of the facility, many of whom reported feeling uninformed about the incident. An adult present during the police operation shared, "There is fear, but for now, we are safe." Criticism has also been directed at the Migration Agency for its handling of the crisis; families reported receiving little to no information about the situation, leading to rampant speculation and heightened anxiety among residents. "This naturally leads to a great deal of rumor spreading and an even greater feeling of insecurity and uncertainty at this accommodation," Paulsen explained. She reiterated that since the agency operates the facility, it holds the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of children living there. In response to the incident, the Migration Agency has enhanced its staff presence to bolster security. Save the Children has activated its crisis support team at the location, acknowledging the significant impact the incident has had on children residing in the center. Paulsen articulated that children have been severely affected by the occurrence, which has exacerbated their already precarious situation. She urged authorities to take prompt action to safeguard vulnerable children and improve living conditions. Central to the ongoing concerns is the issue of families in crisis living in close quarters with single adults, which contributes to escalation of mental health issues and potential violence. As the investigation continues, it is essential for authorities to address the fundamental problems of accommodation and safety for these vulnerable populations. As of now, there have been no charges pressed related to the reported crime, and DN has sought comments from both the Migration Agency and prosecutor Urszula Grabowska but has not yet received a response. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2