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Sweden Today

Swedish news in English

Friday, December 27, 2024

Sweden Debates Controversial Stop-and-Search Zones

Published: 2024-02-07

Debate intensifies in Sweden over the proposal to introduce 'visitationszoner' or stop-and-search zones, aimed at tackling gang violence.

The government cites Denmark's success with such measures, while critics, including Centerpartiet's Malin Bjork, argue there's no evidence supporting their effectiveness.

Concerns have been raised over potential discrimination and the undermining of trust in police.

The zones would allow police to search anyone within designated areas without suspicion of a crime, a significant shift from the current requirement of reasonable suspicion.

As the proposal heads to the council for law review, questions about civil liberties and policing strategies remain at the forefront of this contentious issue.