- We have a new situation in gang crime where shootings are decreasing.
It is clear that we have now entered a new phase with more demanding demands in society, says Minister of the Interior Mikael Damberg (S), at a press conference.
The government is now proposing tougher penalties for violations of the knife law in the event of more serious knife violations.
The penalties for violating the knife law have not changed in 20 years.
At the same time, a knife is used more often in, for example, robberies.
When the penalties are increased for gun crime, knives may also have become more common in gang environments, according to the government.
Clear increase in reported knife crimes
- Gang criminals seem to use knives to a greater extent because we have sharpened the penalties for firearms.
A knife is the most common weapon that leads to a fatal outcome, says Mikael Damberg.
The increased use is clearly visible in the statistics.
In 2013, 7,519 violations of the Knife Act were reported, according to figures from the Swedish Crime Prevention Council (Brå).
Two years ago, the number of applications was 11,636 - an increase of over 50 percent.
Will not affect outdoor activities
The maximum penalty for crimes according to the normal degree is proposed to be increased from imprisonment for six months to imprisonment for one year.
The government also wants more crimes to be assessed as serious.
For serious knife offenses, the maximum penalty shall be increased from imprisonment for one year, to imprisonment for two years.
The minimum sentence for the serious crimes is increased at the same time from 14 days to six months.
The tightening of penalties will not affect milder phenomena and outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing and camping, will continue to be unpunished.
The proposal is now being sent for consultation and the amendments to the law are proposed to enter into force on 1 July 2022.