Sweden targets gang violence with child surveillance law
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced the introduction of a law permitting the surveillance of children to prevent their exploitation by gangs. In January, there were over 30 bomb explosions in the country.
- We are in the middle of a new wave of violence, mainly explosions are now more frequent, basically one a day - said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Following the Crime Prevention Council meeting, which included the police, the Prime Minister noted that the current situation in the country resembles "internal terrorism."
The explosions, which mainly occurred in the Stockholm area, damaged entrance doors, stairwells, and windows. Several people sustained minor injuries. According to the police, the explosives are often planted by children aged 12-13 who are recruited by gangs through messaging apps and social media.
The head of the Swedish police, Petra Lundh, indicated that most explosions are related to extorting money from businesses and private individuals. An additional 100 officers have been deployed to Stockholm, and drones are monitoring the city's southern districts.
The Minister of Justice, Gunnar Stremmer, announced that the new law allowing the surveillance of children will come into effect earlier than planned, already in October this year.
