Sweden was a pioneer in the abolition of the death penalty in Europe.

49 years ago, on June 20, 1976, Sweden became one of the first countries in Europe to abolish the death penalty in all cases. Although it had not been applied in the country since 1910, legal provisions for certain special situations existed until the 1970s. In 1921, the death penalty was abolished for ordinary crimes, but it was not until 1976 that the government officially abolished all legal grounds for its application.

This decision affirms Sweden as a pioneer in human rights protection policies and is in line with the growing role of the country in international humanitarian initiatives. Today, Sweden is among the most active countries advocating for the global abolition of the death penalty.

The date June 20, 1976 is considered a cornerstone in the European human rights campaign. Through the complete abolition of the death penalty, including for war crimes and emergencies, Sweden has set new standards in the protection of fundamental human freedoms.