A Finnish court has sentenced a 52-year-old man to eight years in prison for attempting to murder his ex-wife's current husband. The Western Uusimaa District Court found Sarkawt Abdulkarem Madjid guilty of the brutal knife attack that occurred in Espoo's Perkkaa neighborhood.
Madjid traveled from Joutseno to Espoo on the night of April 16. He positioned himself near the victim's apartment and monitored the man's movements from a nearby wooded area. The victim had just finished a long workday at a restaurant that ended at 1 AM.
When the victim returned home and parked his electric car in the garage, Madjid launched his attack. The first knife strike hit the victim's back, followed by a second to his abdomen. Madjid then stabbed or slashed the victim eleven more times. The victim sustained injuries to his head, chest, side, hand, and leg on his left side.
The attacker fled the scene but police apprehended him shortly after the incident. The court determined the crime was premeditated, citing Madjid's surveillance near the victim's home and in the parking garage as evidence of planning.
Finland's legal system distinguishes between attempted murder and aggravated attempted murder based on the crime's severity and premeditation. This case represents a serious example of domestic violence escalation that crosses into attempted homicide. The eight-year sentence reflects the Finnish judiciary's approach to violent crimes with clear evidence of planning.
The court ordered Madjid to pay the victim over 45,000 euros in compensation for pain, suffering, temporary and permanent disability, and emotional distress. He must also reimburse the state 1,600 euros for the victim's legal aid costs.
Madjid admitted to stabbing the victim and causing life-threatening injuries but denied intent to kill. The court also considered but dismissed charges of illegal threats against his ex-wife.
This case highlights concerning patterns in domestic violence situations where former partners target new relationships. The three-year history of threats preceding the actual violence demonstrates how such conflicts can escalate over time despite legal interventions.
The couple had divorced in 2016, the same year Madjid was deported from Finland to Iraq. He returned to Finland in December and applied for a residence permit, which was rejected. He received his deportation decision just four days before the attack.
The Thursday verdict is not yet legally binding and can be appealed. Such cases often undergo multiple judicial reviews in Finland's multi-tier court system before reaching final resolution.
Domestic violence experts note that international mobility complicates these cases, with perpetrators sometimes returning to countries where they previously lived despite legal barriers. Finland's immigration and judicial systems continue grappling with balancing individual rights with public safety concerns in such complex scenarios.