Sweden transfers convicted child killer to women's prison after gender change

Paulus Said Foukaih Abdelshahed, an Egyptian national sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2024 murder of his two children in Södertälje, has been transferred to a women's prison in Ystad. The transfer follows Abdelshahed's legal gender transition to female, adopting the name Lily, made possible by new Swedish legislation enacted in July 2025.

The move from the Tidaholm maximum-security male prison to the Ystad female facility has sparked significant political and social controversy. Female inmates and prison staff have reported instances of sexual harassment, intimidating behavior, and the exhibition of male genitalia in common areas. Inmates described the environment as a “nightmare scenario,” noting that they avoid shared spaces like showers due to safety concerns.

Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer addressed the situation, stating that the country cannot allow a situation where women in prison risk being subjected to such harassment or abuse.