New law on harassment can port people from bathhouses

About 20 people have been ported from bathhouses and libraries after a new anti-harassment law was introduced.
In Huddinge, a man in his 30s was arrested after commenting on the genitals of other bathers.
– I think the number of reports may increase, says My Hedström at the Prosecutor’s Office to TV4 Nyheterna.

Last summer, the law was expanded which made it possible to port visitors who commit crimes or harass people after a decision by prosecutors. Previously, the law covered shops. Now it also applies to libraries and bathhouses.

Since the law was introduced, around 20 people have been ported from various bathhouses and libraries under the new law, according to figures from the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

They commented on genitals

Badhuset in Huddinge is one of the places that was able to use the new law to overcome the problems. A man in his 30s has been banned from the bathhouse after behaving inappropriately several times. Among other things, he commented on the genitalia of other bathers.

– We had mentioned it and had discussions but needed to get support in the legislation this time to get where we wanted, says Helena Rosander, head of unit at Huddingehallen to TV4 Nyheterna.

– I got the help I felt I needed to curb behavior that is not appropriate in a bathhouse.

According to a report from the Crime Prevention Council, Brå, in autumn 2020, all libraries had been affected by crime and disorder. That’s what TT writes.

The number of ported people may increase

According to the same report, there had been violence against either staff or visitors in almost all of the swimming halls.

My Hedström, bureau chief at the Public Prosecutor’s Office, was the one who did the investigation that formed the basis of the new law. She says that the number of people who are transported under the new law will increase.

– When the legislation becomes better known, I think the number of notifications and applications may increase, she says.

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