Sweden doubles prison terms for gang-related crimes

Sweden has introduced tougher penalties for gang-related offences, allowing courts to impose prison sentences up to twice as long as before, as the country cracks down on organised crime.

Under the new law, which took effect on Saturday, gang members convicted of certain offences can face sentences up to double the previous maximum.

For example, a gang member caught carrying a firearm previously faced a maximum prison term of four years but can now receive up to eight years, according to Swedish news agency TT.

The tougher sentencing rules also apply to juvenile offenders, although the legislation retains provisions allowing reduced sentences for minors.

Sweden has struggled for years to contain gang violence, with criminal networks increasingly recruiting teenagers to carry out contract killings.