Swedish authorities have formally charged a convicted terrorist over the horrific killing of Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh, who was burned alive by Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria in 2015.

Osama Krayem, a 32-year-old Swedish citizen, faces charges of war crimes and terrorism in relation to the murder. Krayem is already serving a prison sentence for his involvement in the 2015 Paris attacks and the 2016 Brussels bombings.

According to the Swedish Prosecution Authority, Krayem and other IS members forcibly confined Lt Kasasbeh in a metal cage, which was then set alight, resulting in the pilot's death. The incident occurred between December 24, 2014, and February 3, 2015, after Lt Kasasbeh was captured near Raqqa, Syria, when his jet crashed during a coalition mission against IS.

The brutal killing was widely condemned following the release of a graphic video by IS, prompting international outrage. At the time, Jordan had been attempting to negotiate Lt Kasasbeh’s release through a prisoner exchange.

Krayem, originally from Malmö, Sweden, is believed to have traveled to Syria in September 2014 to join IS. His role in multiple terror attacks across Europe has already led to convictions, including a 30-year prison sentence in France.

The upcoming trial in Sweden, set to begin on June 4, will focus on his alleged direct involvement in the execution of Lt Kasasbeh. Krayem has denied the new charges, according to Swedish public broadcaster SVT. His lawyer has not yet issued a public statement.

Lt Kasasbeh’s family welcomed the move toward justice. “It is painful for my parents to be confronted with this event again, but we are grateful that the Swedish authorities want to give us justice,” his brother Jawdat al-Kasasbeh told Sveriges Radio.

Krayem has been temporarily transferred from France to Sweden for the trial proceedings.