A young girl was subjected to a serious rape at a repatriation center north of Stockholm. Sharp criticism is now being directed at the Migration Agency’s security work – while the police have not yet managed to identify which of the detainees committed the rape.

In early February, the police were alerted to the Migration Agency’s repatriation center in Märsta, northern Greater Stockholm. This came after a young girl had been taken to hospital with injuries. A preliminary investigation into aggravated child rape was launched soon thereafter.

The assault allegedly took place inside the facility by one or more of the detained individuals. A large number of people reside at the center while awaiting the enforcement of their deportation orders.

According to reports, the crime occurred in a communal bathroom adjacent to the reception. The area was cordoned off and a forensic investigation was carried out. However, despite the serious nature of the crime, no one has been arrested or formally suspected.

“There are no detainees,” said prosecutor Urszula Grabowska, who has otherwise remained tight-lipped with information to the public and the media.

Sharp Criticism of Security

The case has sparked strong reactions – not least from the girl’s legal representative.

“Given what has emerged, there is reason to question whether the living environment was sufficiently adapted for families with children,” said attorney Melissa Toutounge Aksöz in a comment to TV4.

She describes how the family has been deeply affected by the incident. The situation for the raped girl and her parents is described as psychologically distressing. Both the victim and her relatives are reportedly in very poor condition.

The criticism focuses, among other things, on a lack of security and safety at the facility, where recurring anxiety and incidents have taken place. Previous reports have highlighted problems with violence, threats, and insecurity in the environment.

Longstanding Problems at the Facility

Reports indicate that the Märsta repatriation center has, for an extended period, suffered from significant problems with conflict and crime. These range from threats and assault to drugs and other disturbances among detainees facing deportation.

Children’s rights organizations have previously warned about the risks in environments where children and adults, including single men from various cultures, live closely together under stressful conditions.

READ MORE: No one charged for child rape at deportation center

After the child rape, the Migration Agency has increased staff and security guard presence at the facility in an effort to strengthen safety and prevent further serious crimes.

Criticism Also Directed at Police

At the same time, criticism has been directed at the justice system. Several weeks after the incident, there is still no identified perpetrator. The pool of suspects is also limited since the facility is closed off from the public.

The police have been very reserved with information, citing the confidentiality of the preliminary investigation as the reason for their silence. The fact that no suspect has been identified has raised questions about the investigation’s progress and effectiveness.

Political Reactions

The incident has also had political repercussions. Minister for Integration Simona Mohamsson (L) described the information as “horrific” and emphasized the need for increased security.

“It is clear that security at the facilities must be strengthened – especially for the children,” she said.