Charges Filed Against Terrorist Over Jordanian Pilot's Gruesome Death

Swedish authorities have charged Osama Krayem, a convicted terrorist, with war and terrorism crimes related to the 2015 killing of Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh, who was burned alive by ISIS.

Swedish authorities have formally charged 32-year-old Osama Krayem, a convicted terrorist, over his alleged involvement in the brutal execution of Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh by ISIS in 2015. Krayem, currently serving a prison sentence due to his role in the Paris and Brussels terror attacks, faces severe accusations including war crimes and terrorism linked to the execution of Lt. al-Kasasbeh, an incident that shocked both Jordan and the world when it was widely publicized online.

Krayem's trial is slated to commence on June 4. Authorities revealed last week that they intended to charge him and other suspects associated with the Islamic State group for their roles in the pilot's death. Lt. al-Kasasbeh, who was 26 at the time of his capture, was taken prisoner after his jet was downed near Raqqa in December 2014. Jordan was actively seeking his release through negotiations while he was held captive.

According to Swedish prosecutors, Krayem participated in the gruesome act, reportedly involving forcing the pilot into a metal cage prior to igniting it, leading to his tragic demise. Originally hailing from Malmo, Sweden, Krayem is believed to have joined ISIS by travelling to Syria in September 2014. His criminal history is extensive, as he was sentenced to 30 years in prison in June 2022 for his involvement in the November 2015 Paris attacks, which claimed 130 lives, as well as for plotting an attack on Amsterdam airport.

This new charge comes after he was temporarily transferred from France to Sweden for the upcoming trial regarding the murder of Lt. al-Kasasbeh, highlighting the on-going efforts to bring accountability for the actions of ISIS and related terrorism in the region.