Johan Alfred Ander, convicted of murder, was sentenced to death for the brutal killing of Anna Hultqvist in 1908. His trial captured significant media attention, highlighting the societal attitudes toward crime and punishment in Sweden at the time. The case stirred public debate about the use of the death penalty, as many questioned the effectiveness of capital punishment as a deterrent to violent crime. On November 23, 1910, Ander was executed by guillotine in Stockholm, an execution that drew both condemnation and support from various sectors of society. Profound interest surrounded this case, with many seeing it as a landmark decision amidst a growing anti-death penalty sentiment in Europe.

The execution itself was carried out in a manner that was intended to be quick and devoid of public spectacle; however, the event sparked considerable debate about the morality of executing individuals for crimes in an increasingly progressive society. Following Johan Alfred Ander's execution, Sweden would soon abolish the death penalty entirely in 1921, marking a significant shift in the nation's legal framework towards rehabilitation rather than retribution. This transition had lasting impacts not only in Sweden but across Europe, influencing discussions about human rights and criminal justice reform.