The Danish government is proposing to double the penalty for aggravated and extremely aggravated violence, according to Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s opening speech at the final debate in the Folketing (Danish Parliament) on Wednesday. The government aims to present the penal reform “shortly.”

This initiative comes in response to a significant increase in reported violence cases, which have risen by over 40 percent in the last decade. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for sentences that accurately reflect the severity of the crimes committed.

Frederiksen stated that the current penalties for dangerous crimes against individuals are “far too short,” and that those who commit such crimes spend insufficient time in prison. She also highlighted the issue of lenient punishments for repeat offenders.

The proposed penal reform will necessitate the creation of additional prison spaces and the hiring of more staff. Frederiksen underscored that the capacity of the criminal justice system should not dictate criminal justice policy in Denmark.

In addition to doubling penalties for aggravated violence, the government intends to tighten penalties for assault, gang rape, and simple violence against partners or children.

The government has previously implemented measures such as doubling penalties for gang-related crimes, increasing penalties for reckless driving and illegal possession of knives, and allocating more resources to investigative efforts. They have also introduced a security package aimed at addressing insecurity in public spaces such as S-train stations and shopping centers.