Sweden considers stripping citizenship in gang crime crackdown
The wave of violence in Sweden continues unabated. The number of explosions and shootings resulting from gang warfare in January reached a new record. Therefore, the government plans further legal changes and intends to revoke citizenship from members of organized criminal groups.
The Swedish government intends to continue working on the proposal to revoke the citizenship of individuals associated with organized crime despite a lack of unanimity in parliament.
Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer confirmed these plans in an interview with TV4, emphasizing their effectiveness in combating individuals like Rawa Majid - a Turkish smuggler with the pseudonym Kurdish Fox suspected of leading one of Sweden's most significant gangs from abroad.
Recently, the Constitutional Committee presented its findings on the feasibility of revoking Swedish citizenship. According to the proposal, this would occur in cases of committing serious crimes against national security, such as espionage. However, Tidö coalition partners demand stricter regulations to ensure citizens' safety and "protect the values of Swedish citizenship."
Minister Strömmer explained that current limitations in the proposal prevent revoking citizenship from individuals who lead gangs from abroad - organizing shootings and explosions, commissioning murders on the streets. The Social Democrats previously opposed Tidö's proposal.
Despite the opposition, the government decided to continue working on the proposal. A plan to revoke citizenship from gang leaders and other individuals who commit crimes that threaten the state's interests is currently being developed. In the spring, a commission will be established to examine necessary legal changes.
Earlier, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also announced the introduction of new laws allowing for eavesdropping on children to prevent their exploitation by drug gangs. Minors are recruited by criminals, who turn them into small soldiers.
