Runar Sögaard was freed from jail and is attempting to rebuild his life. But times are difficult - the Norwegian is homeless and living in horror.
Runar Sögaard, 55, was just freed from prison, and the Norwegian is not happy. Stoppa Pressarna's photographer recently captured the former pastor on a lonely walk.
Carola's ex-husband, 56, was ultimately released from prison in February of this year. Runar stepped out of the Asptuna facility south of Stockholm, where family awaited him, relieved.
Runar Sögaard's stint in prison certainly did not go as planned. He had previously been hopeful, believing that serving the 20-month sentence for egregious accounting violations and 20 charges of tax evasion would be OK.
Stoppa Pressarna has published in a series of stories regarding Runar Sögaard's major issues as an inmate. The convicted eco-criminal has had a difficult time accepting his sentence.
He was reassigned and repeatedly warned. Runar Sögaard was thrilled and glad when he finally got his moment, but he was also furious, frustrated, and aggressive.
He was irritated after 439 days in prison, especially because his last stay behind bars seemed to have been difficult. When he was asked how he felt, he responded quickly:
- Chaos. I've been confined to solitary confinement for a month. They accused me of being suicidal. So it's good to be out, said Runar Sögaard to Aftonbladet.
There were six distinct detentions, 20 warnings, and 30 reports for the Norwegian who maintains he is innocent of all charges - except one.
- Because I read the Bible, I was warned. I have no choice but to accept it. I sat in my room and lost track of time.
He's now attempting to make a new start in life, but things aren't going so well - he has nowhere to live.
- I had a temporary house, but it was nothing but mayhem, he tells Aftonbladet.
Runar Sögaard discusses his terrible condition, which is far from the glitz and glam of private celebrity events and a life of wealth.
- I'm homeless; I spent the night in my car the other night. I had a temporary residence, but it had been nothing but mayhem, like the wild west, with several death threats and police operations, so I didn't want to live there. He tells Aftonbladet that more happens outside than in the isolation cell.
Runar Sögaard intends to make a comeback as a preacher, which may help him earn a living.
- I will speak on the church platforms, yes. In some ways, it will feel like coming home.
The Norwegian also intends to publish three books, two of which will be about his time in jail and his thoughts on the work of the Correctional Service.