Sweden to get tougher on violent crime
Sweden's government is calling for the introduction of a new level of crime classification that will lead to longer jail terms for especially brutal forms of assault.
"This is to clarify for the courts and others that we take a particularly serious view of this type of crime. Aggravated assault is always very serious but there are different levels of hell, so to speak, and that needs to be reflected here," Justice Minister Beatrice Ask told Sveriges Radio.
The minster indicated that the new legislation would tackle crimes including, for example, the assault of disabled people, elderly people, as well as forms of assault "that are akin to torture".
Especially brutal assaults would lead to a minimum jail sentence of four years. Under current legislation, aggravated assault is punishable by a minimum of one year in prison.
The government also wishes to raise the minimum sentence for aggravated extortion from six months to one year.
The Justice Minister also said the courts would be encouraged to set tougher sentences in cases where there was a clear element of organized crime.
"We need to have sanctions that are considered reasonable and logical. Obviously there have to be consequences for people who commit serious crimes," said Ask.
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"This is to clarify for the courts and others that we take a particularly serious view of this type of crime. Aggravated assault is always very serious but there are different levels of hell, so to speak, and that needs to be reflected here," Justice Minister Beatrice Ask told Sveriges Radio.
The minster indicated that the new legislation would tackle crimes including, for example, the assault of disabled people, elderly people, as well as forms of assault "that are akin to torture".
Especially brutal assaults would lead to a minimum jail sentence of four years. Under current legislation, aggravated assault is punishable by a minimum of one year in prison.
The government also wishes to raise the minimum sentence for aggravated extortion from six months to one year.
The Justice Minister also said the courts would be encouraged to set tougher sentences in cases where there was a clear element of organized crime.
"We need to have sanctions that are considered reasonable and logical. Obviously there have to be consequences for people who commit serious crimes," said Ask.
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