Convicted Terrorist Allowed to Continue Chemistry Studies at KTH Despite Security Concerns

A man convicted in November 2025 for multiple terrorism-related offenses, including a plot to poison Eurovision Song Contest attendees with cyanide, has been permitted to continue his chemistry studies at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). The man was sentenced by a Luxembourg court to eight years in prison, with six years suspended, for incitement to terrorism, recruitment for terrorism, and preparation of terrorist acts.

KTH raised serious safety concerns regarding the student's continuation in the program, emphasizing the potential risks posed by his access to chemical knowledge, which could theoretically be applied to his past terrorist intentions. Despite these alarms, the Higher Education Suspension Board (HAN) denied the university's request to suspend him, citing insufficient evidence to support a specific risk linked directly to his studies taking place at KTH.

The convicted individual claims he has distanced himself from extremist ideologies and expresses regret for his previous actions. Nonetheless, terrorism expert Hans Brun highlighted that considering the nature of the offenses and the subject matter, the risk of harm to others remains significant.

In response to HAN’s decision, KTH is planning to appeal, seeking to ensure campus safety and prevent any potential misuse of knowledge that might lead to harm.

The situation has stirred a debate on the balance between rehabilitation and security within Swedish educational institutions, amid concerns about whether openness to second chances could potentially compromise public safety.