SWEDEN: The Swedish government has announced plans to intensify the deportation of refugees convicted of crimes in the country. “Any crime carrying a sentence higher than a fine should be grounds for deportation,” Swedish officials said. According to the French news agency AFP, Johan Forssell, Sweden’s Minister for Migration, said that foreign criminals have been kept in the country for extended periods. The right-wing government led by Ulf Kristersson, supported by the Sweden Democrats, has expanded police powers and proposed lowering the criminal responsibility age from 15 to 13. The new law will allow prosecutors to make deportation part of the sentencing process. It is expected that around 3,000 individuals will be deported each year, roughly six times the current average. The law is set to take effect on September 1 but must first be reviewed by the Swedish legislature. Sweden has long struggled with rising violence, organized crime, and clashes among criminal groups.
