In visitation zones, the police must be able to stop and search people without having a specific suspicion of crime. The idea is that it will make the streets safer, but many are against it. Critics believe that it can lead to abuse and violations of people's rights. This is especially true if it is used against certain groups based on skin color or economic status.
The debate about visitation zones is also about how it affects society. Many believe that it primarily affects already marginalized groups, such as people with low incomes or ethnic minority backgrounds. This can widen the gaps and create more insecurity for these groups.
Juan Fonseca objects to the introduction of visitation zones
Juan Fonseca (former Social Democratic Member of Parliament) is suing the Swedish state at the district court and accusing it of violating several laws and regulations. The Riksdag just clubbed the controversial law on visitation zones. The law gives the police widespread powers to act arbitrarily against innocent citizens based on their origin and skin color. The law will affect areas with large immigrant populations. This law leaves a lot of room for the subjective judgments of the police. It can lead to a violation of the form of government, the Discrimination Act and the European Convention.
"According to ch. 2 Section 6, first paragraph, the form of government, everyone is protected vis-à-vis the public against body searches, house searches and similar intrusions.
According to §§ 20 and 21 of the same chapter, protection against body searches and house searches may only be limited by law, and only to serve purposes that are acceptable in a democratic society. In the constitution and in international regulation that Sweden is bound by, there is a fundamental protection against such intrusions.” (Source)
Protection against body searches in the constitution
Fonseca questions the ability of the visitation zone law to create a legal principle of equality. This former Social Democratic Member of Parliament warns that it could lead to all citizens no longer being equal before the law. This is particularly serious in a rule of law like Sweden.
High-ranking legal bodies, such as the Chancellor of Justice and the Svea Court of Appeal, have rejected the law and warned of its consequences. Despite this, the government has chosen not to listen to the warnings. Fonseca calls on citizens to take responsibility and turn to the courts. People must make their case and demand that the court evaluate whether the state is guilty of crimes by introducing visitation zones in the legislation.
Preventive measures more important
In order to create a safer society in the long term, many experts advocate preventive measures instead of visitation zones. It is about investing in work for all through a bigger public sector, education, social support and other measures to tackle the causes of crime.
When it comes to economics and welfare, it is important to understand how taxes and government spending affect society. Having progressive tax systems where those who earn more pay more can fund welfare programs such as healthcare and education for all. In addition, smart government spending, including through the government creating money to invest in socially beneficial projects, can contribute to a stable and sustainable economy that benefits everyone.
By investing in preventive measures and welfare instead of repressive methods such as visitation zones, we can work towards a fairer, safer and more sustainable society for everyone. Societies even become more competitive with more equality.
Vote off the Tidö Agreement restrictions on human rights such as visitation zones!
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One might add how it happens when gang crime builds up (according to Randall Collins: Violence, https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691143224/violence, which references American experiences).
Young people form gangs to protect themselves against already established gangs. They do this because they don't trust the police, who most of the time behave as someone who shouts at them that they are not allowed to be where they are, and are otherwise invisible.
"Protect yourself" means showing yourself tough and making it likely that you will use violence if you are attacked. To make this possible, sometimes you have to use violence. And then there is a risk of getting law enforcement authorities on you. And if you have been convicted of something, you get prison training in serious crime, and then it's done.
The risk ends if you reach about 20 without going there. Then you integrate if you can.
But there are two things that can make it difficult. One is that you have to have a job. With a local unemployment rate of 30%, this is difficult. The second is whether authorities engage in ethnic profiling. Then the suspicion persists. And thus the risk of getting stuck in gang reality and its risks.
So what helps is large public investment that reduces unemployment to the traditional 2%, plus non-racist authorities that also take young people seriously. Preferably also patrolling constables instead of office workers and picket buses.
specific
and in addition, there must be realistic opportunities for the educational reserve among the economically disadvantaged and immigrants to make a class trip with reasonable efforts
Well, I think a class trip is completely inadequate. It is not a travel agency we should have, we should have work for everyone who can work - preferably with independence and other good conditions, regardless of the job you work in.
Of course, everyone must have good conditions at their jobs, but there must be intellectual work for all academically gifted people in all social classes. Then equality must be as great as possible. Good jobs for everyone that suit the individual's skills and aptitude.