Sweden deports Iraqi nationals for first time in 10 years

Swedish authorities have forcibly deported 26 Iraqi citizens.

Sveriges Radio reports citing sources that the plane with the deportees flew to Baghdad in the morning. Enforcement and police officers are also on board.

This is the first forced deportation from Sweden to Iraq since 2012. Baghdad has previously refused to accept people expelled from the kingdom.

Lawyer Majid Alnashi, who represents several of the migrants on board, insists that the authorities in both countries must now explain exactly what is behind the forced deportations and why Iraq has changed its position on the issue.