The discussion about the sentencing framework for gang rape is once again brought to the forefront by the Danish People’s Party (Dansk Folkeparti), which argues that the current penalties are too lenient. The party has proposed a minimum sentence of six years in prison for gang rapes. Peter Kofod, the party’s spokesperson on justice issues, emphasizes that the motivation behind the proposal stems from the horrific nature of such crimes.

Kofod points out that the general sentencing for rape in Denmark is approximately two years, which the party believes is inadequate, especially in cases involving multiple perpetrators. This proposal comes in the wake of a shocking gang rape case in Aarhus, where three individuals have been arrested. Although the suspects have not yet been convicted, Kofod argues that the case illustrates the need for harsher penalties.

Current legislation sets the sentencing range for rape and attempted rape at up to eight years, with the possibility of increasing it to 12 years in particularly severe cases, but without established minimum sentences. The Danish People’s Party contends that a low sentencing range sends the wrong message and undermines the judicial system.

Kofod adds that the party has previously suggested a minimum sentence of five years for rapes, an idea that, according to a survey from Altinget, has broad support among voters. Critics of longer sentences argue that they impair opportunities for rehabilitation, but this criticism is fiercely rejected by Kofod, who believes that the rights of victims should take precedence over those of the offenders.

Research indicates a disproportionate representation of immigrants in rape cases, which Kofod highlights as part of the issue. He argues that a stricter immigration policy could reduce such crimes, using Sweden as an example of what he perceives as the consequences of a more lenient policy.

The proposal from the Danish People’s Party adds to a slew of suggestions from other parties, including the Conservative Party’s (Det Konservative Folkeparti) proposal for a minimum sentence of 16 years for gang-related murders and the Liberal Party’s (Venstre) call for stricter penalties for both violence and economic crime. The government is also expected to present a new criminal reform in the fall.