Did the children understand that corporal punishment was illegal in Sweden?

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The Children's Understanding of Corporal Punishment Laws in Sweden

The eldest son of the Malaysian couple on trial in Sweden for child abuse testified that he was unaware that hitting children was against the law in Sweden. He further stated that he would not have reported the alleged abuse if he had known it would lead to his parents' prosecution. This testimony highlights a potential lack of understanding regarding Swedish legal statutes concerning corporal punishment among the children involved.
Testimony on Parental Imprisonment

In video testimony, the 12-year-old son expressed his belief that his parents, who were already in detention, would be sent to "real jail" for an unspecified duration. He conveyed a longing to see them again upon their release, indicating a deep emotional impact of their current situation. This sentiment was shared in a fifth video interview recorded prior to the trial at the Solna district court.
Recollections of Parental Discipline

The boy recounted instances of discipline from his parents, noting that his mother caned him approximately twice a month. He also described an incident where his father administered a severe beating after discovering the boy had used his mother's credit card to purchase a video game. The boy perceived his father's reaction, which he described as the "angriest I had ever seen," as stemming from a greater concern for financial matters than the act itself.
Lack of Awareness of Illegality

In a prior interview with a policewoman, the eldest son explicitly stated his ignorance of the fact that hitting children was unlawful in Sweden. He indicated that his decision to report the alleged abuse was contingent on this understanding, suggesting that had he known the legal ramifications, he would not have come forward. This underscores a critical gap in the children's comprehension of the legal framework governing their treatment. Sweden was the first country globally to outlaw corporal punishment, enacting its ban in 1979.

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Did the children understand that corporal punishment was illegal in Sweden?

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