Swedish MPs vote to revoke citizenship over crimes that 'harm vital interests'

Swedish parliament voted to enable authorities to strip dual citizens of Swedish citizenship in specific cases. Citizenship could be revoked if a dual citizen is convicted of crimes that seriously damage Sweden’s vital interests. The bill also provides for revocation when Swedish citizenship was obtained under false pretenses. The change requires a constitutional amendment, so it will not take effect immediately. Swedish law requires two parliamentary votes with an election in between, meaning a second vote can occur only after the September election. The amendment does not list the exact crimes, which will be defined later in ordinary legislation. The government links the concept to serious “system-threatening” crimes committed through criminal networks. Some parties opposed parts of the proposal, and parliament also voted to enshrine the right to free abortion in the constitution.

"Parliament on Wednesday voted in favour of the bill, which would make it possible to revoke the Swedish citizenship of dual citizens if they are convicted of crimes that seriously damage Sweden's vital interests. The bill also states that a dual citizen who obtained their Swedish citizenship under false pretenses should be stripped of their citizenship. The law change involves an amendment to the constitution, which means that this won't become law immediately."

"Under Swedish law, to change the constitution parliament is required to vote twice, with an election held in between. This was the first vote, which means a second vote can't be held until after the September election. The specific types of crimes considered to "seriously damage Sweden's vital interests" are not listed in the constitutional amendment. This will be defined more precisely later in regular legislation."

"According to the government, the terms includes among other things certain serious "system-threatening" crimes committed within the framework of criminal networks. The Left Party and the Green Party opposed the ability to revoke citizenship. The Centre Party opposed the section concerning criminal offences, reports the TT news agency."

"Parliament on Wednesday also voted to enshrine the right to free abortion in the Swedish constitution."

Read at www.thelocal.se