Sweden to investigate whether to introduce special criminal liability to fight organised racism

The Swedish government is investigating whether a special criminal liability should be introduced to tackle organised racism in Sweden.

A parliamentary committee has been appointed to consider the issue, the government announced in a press release on Thursday.

"It is not enough to oppose racism in general...organised racism in itself is a threat that needs special attention," the Ministry of Justice wrote in Thursday's press release.

"Racist organisations contribute to the expression and spread of racism in the media, online and on social media, as well as at demonstrations throughout the country," wrote the Ministry of Justice.

The government listed anti-semitism, afrophobia and the White Power movement as examples of foci in the organisations which the committee will be investigating, with racist organisations seen as environments which can encourage serious violent crimes and even terrorism.

Headed by Dag Mattsson, judge of the Supreme Court, the committee will investigate the impacts of organised racism in Sweden and make a survey of how "the ability of racist organisations to operate has been restricted in other countries", summarising the effects of those restrictions.