Updated 17.22 | Published 16.54
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The government held a press conference today about gang violence in Sweden.
Visitation zones should be in place as early as March next year.
– We are implementing a paradigm shift, says Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch (KD).
The National Security Council met today regarding gang violence in Sweden.
During the afternoon, all party leaders, several ministers and the police had a meeting to discuss what measures should be put in place.
“Domestic Terrorists”
At the press conference that followed the meeting, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M), Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch (KD), Labor Market and Integration Minister Johan Pehrson (L) and Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M) took part.
In the last 30 days, the police have prevented around 30 gang shootings and explosions, says Ulf Kristersson.
– I have often likened the shootings and explosions to domestic terrorists and there are reasons for that. The criminal networks instill fear and terror in communities, they have a large capital of violence that affects completely innocent people.
The proposal for temporary visitation zones, which would come into force on 1 January 2025, will instead come into force already on 1 March next year.
The proposal for a residence ban, which would come into effect on July 1 next year, is brought forward to February 1.
The proposals require the support of the opposition.
The defense must also be given the opportunity to support the police against the gangs.
Must work faster
In order for the laws to be introduced on time, both the risk day and the government must work significantly faster than normal.
Another bill that has been brought forward is double punishment for serious weapons offenses and serious weapons smuggling.
The penalty for breaching the permit obligation for explosive goods shall also be doubled.
Exciting discussion led to delay
This should be in place as early as the first of January, instead of April as the government had previously announced.
The press conference started 45 minutes later than expected, according to Kristersson, the reason was that the discussions were so interesting.
Magdalena Andersson (S) did not think the discussions were as exciting.
– It was good that we had the meeting, but I am deeply disappointed that the government could not present any new measures, she tells SVT.