Denmark Seeks to Dissolve Bandidos Motorcycle Club
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — The Danish government announced on Wednesday its intention to seek a court order to dissolve the Danish arm of the Bandidos motorcycle club due to the group’s history of violent behavior.
Constitutional Grounds for Dissolution
According to Denmark’s constitution, an organization that promotes or incites violence can be dissolved by court order. If the dissolution is granted, it would be illegal for the Bandidos to have clubhouses, hold meetings, or wear their insignias.
Government’s Stance
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard stated at a news conference on Wednesday that “the freedom of association was not created to protect vicious criminals.” He emphasized the Bandidos’ involvement in particularly brutal behavior.
A History of Violence
The Danish chapter of the Bandidos MC was established in 1993. In 1996, a feud between the Bandidos and their rivals, Hells Angels, erupted in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, resulting in 11 deaths and nearly 100 injuries.
In recent years, members of the Bandidos in Denmark have been convicted and imprisoned for crimes such as murder, attempted murder, assault, and drug-related offenses.
Recent Developments
On Tuesday, two Bandidos members were sentenced to 13 years each for a murder committed south of Copenhagen. Additionally, three other individuals associated with the gang received sentences of up to two years for gross violence related to the assault.
Government’s Plan
Hummelgaard announced that the government would pursue a dissolution order against the Bandidos, and similar organized gangs could also face dissolution. He expressed his desire to ban all such groups if legally possible.
Extent of Criminal Gangs in Denmark
No official estimate has been provided regarding the number of Bandidos members. However, police state that approximately 1,200 individuals in Denmark are affiliated with criminal gangs, which include groups other than the Bandidos. This figure does not include informal members.
Lasse Boye, the head of the Danish police’s National Special Crime Unit, described the Bandidos as the largest and “most violent” gang in Denmark. He noted that the group has significantly expanded in recent years, which is why they are being targeted by law enforcement.
Response from Bandidos’ Lawyer
Michael Juul Eriksen, the lawyer representing the Bandidos, expressed no surprise at the government’s actions. He cited a previous statement made in June where authorities indicated their intention to investigate the dissolution of the group.
Previous Dissolution of Criminal Group
In September 2018, Danish police imposed a temporary nationwide ban on the Loyal to Familia organized criminal group. In 2021, Denmark’s Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s ruling that deemed the group a threat to public order, resulting in its dissolution.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The issues highlighted in the article are related to violence, criminal behavior, and the dissolution of an organized gang. These issues align with SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
- Target 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets, and combat all forms of organized crime
- Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
The article discusses violent behavior, criminal activities, and the government’s efforts to dissolve the Bandidos motorcycle club. These align with the targets mentioned above, as they aim to reduce violence, combat organized crime, and strengthen institutions to ensure justice and accountability.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age
- Indicator 16.4.1: Total value of inward and outward illicit financial flows (in current United States dollars)
- Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services
The article mentions violence, murder, and criminal activities committed by the Bandidos motorcycle club. These incidents can be used to measure progress towards reducing violence and organized crime, as well as the satisfaction of the population with the justice system and public services.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere | Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets, and combat all forms of organized crime | Indicator 16.4.1: Total value of inward and outward illicit financial flows (in current United States dollars) |
| Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels | Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services |
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Source: apnews.com
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