Swedish Democrats withdraw gang criminal legislation proposal during negotiations with government

The Swedish Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna) have withdrawn their recent parliamentary proposal for special legislation aimed at gang criminals. The party’s spokesperson for legal matters, Richard Jomshof, explained that they made this decision to include their ideas in ongoing negotiations with the government.

The initial proposal sought to categorize individuals involved in criminal gangs as “gang criminals,” allowing for various new measures against them. These measures included nighttime curfews, mandatory electronic monitoring, and preventive detention by police. The proposed conditions for imprisonment would be at the lowest acceptable standard.

Additionally, the motion called for restrictions on gang criminals, including bans on business activities, enhanced account monitoring, prohibitions on cash withdrawals abroad, and bans on working in sensitive occupations and political parties. It was also suggested that gang criminals’ assets could be seized on-site if they lacked documented income and could not prove the legal acquisition of their property.

The intent behind this special legislation was to make life as a gang member so unbearable that individuals would seek out strict exit programs, which would include mandatory discipline training. For minors over the age of 15 involved in serious gang-related crimes, the proposal advocated transferring them from school to a reformatory institution with military discipline. Those under 15 would be sent to schools with strict discipline.

Moreover, the proposal aimed to impose restrictions on relatives of gang criminals as well, including bans on working in sensitive jobs and even secret surveillance. The party believes that collaboration with governmental parties on these issues would maximize their chances of success.