The first case of high treason in modern times came before the Swedish courts in 2001, and four traitors were identified. They were four boys, all aged 16 or 17. Their offense? They threw a strawberry tart at King Carl Gustaf, hitting him on the face.
The boys said they were protesting the monarchy and yelled “For King and Fatherland” as the king passed by. Although the king was surprised, he was unharmed. Queen Silvia, who was walking next to her husband, assisted in wrestling one of the boys to the ground.
The boys were fines between 80 days’ and 100 days’ income each (approximately $370).
So much for the days when treason against the crown cost the offender his head!
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