A Swedish man suffering from claustrophobia has been allowed to avoid jail time for perjury, prompting media speculation that his illness convinced the government to give him a pardon.
The government refused to give a reason for pardoning Thomas Lundberg (28), who had been sentenced last year to four months behind bars for perjury. He had not yet served any time when the pardon was granted.
Lundberg says he has mental problems, including claustrophobia.
“He has received a pardon, but I cannot say why,” said Helena Jaederblom, head of the government’s clemency division, noting that the government never justifies pardons.
“In the part of the pardon document that is not classified, it is clear that he is claustrophobic, but there is a lot about his health and other issues that have been classified, so I will not confirm that that is the reason,” she said.
Instead of prison, Lundberg will now reportedly be on probation with access to psychological care. — AFP