åtalade

Åtalade is a Swedish term used in criminal law to designate persons who have been formally charged with a crime. It can function both as a noun and as an adjective; in singular form åtalad refers to a single charged person, and in the plural åtalade refers to the group of charged individuals. The term is commonly used in official documents, court proceedings, and media reports.

In the Swedish criminal procedure, cases typically begin with an investigation by the police. If the public prosecutor finds sufficient evidence, they file charges (åtal) with the district court; the individuals named in the indictment become åtalade at the trial. The process aims to determine guilt or innocence, with the standard presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.

The åtalade have rights consistent with due process, including legal representation, the opportunity to present evidence, question witnesses, and appeal sentences. The term contrasts with den tilltalade or tilltalad, which more commonly refers to a defendant in court; åtalad/åtalade emphasizes that charges have already been formally brought.

In modern usage, åtalade is a neutral, factual descriptor in legal contexts and reporting. Example: “De åtalade nekade till brott” (The accused denied the crimes). Etymologically, the term derives from åtal (charges, accusation).