Swedish Court Sentences ISIS Member to Life for Role in Murder of Jordanian Pilot

A Swedish court has sentenced Osama Krayem, a member of the Islamic State (ISIS), to life in prison for his involvement in the brutal killing of Jordanian fighter pilot Muath al-Kasasbeh, who was burned alive in Syria in 2015.

The Stockholm District Court found that Krayem, 32, played a central role in the execution, which was filmed and used as ISIS propaganda. Judge Anna Liljenberg Gullesjo stated that Krayem was present at the scene, armed and dressed in military clothing, and willingly participated in the events leading to the pilot’s death.

“This is the first court verdict related to the murder of Muath al-Kasasbeh,” the court said in its ruling.

Al-Kasasbeh was captured by ISIS on December 24, 2014, after his Jordanian F-16 jet crashed near Raqqa during an anti-ISIS mission under the U.S.-led coalition. He was executed on camera in February 2015, with footage showing him locked in a cage and set on fire—an act that shocked the world and drew global condemnation.

According to the court, Krayem helped guard the pilot before and during the execution, transported him to the location of the killing, and remained armed throughout the filming. Although another ISIS militant is believed to have ignited the fire, the court ruled that Krayem’s involvement was “essential” and warranted a life sentence.

Krayem, a Swedish national of Syrian descent, had previously traveled to Syria in 2014 to join ISIS. He was also implicated in the 2015 Paris attacks, which killed 130 people, and the 2016 Brussels bombings that left 32 dead.

After being convicted in France and sentenced to 30 years for his role in those attacks, Krayem was extradited to Sweden in March 2025 to face trial in connection with al-Kasasbeh’s murder.

The ruling is a rare instance of European courts prosecuting ISIS members for war crimes committed in Syria and Iraq, and is likely to set a precedent for similar cases.