Denmark to deport foreigners sentenced to at least one year in prison

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Denmark plans to deport foreign nationals who receive a prison sentence of one year or more with a new reform, the government announced during a news conference on Friday.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced in a conference that foreigners who are sentenced to at least one year of unconditional imprisonment for serious crimes such as aggravated assault and rape must be deported, according to broadcaster TV2.

"Foreigners who commit serious crimes must, as a very clear starting point, be deported," she said.

When asked about the challenge to the conventions, Frederiksen noted that they want to change the legislation before the European Court of Human Rights changes its practice.

"If we had done what we would usually do, namely wait for the court to change its practice, it would take a long time. We don't have that time. That's why we are changing Danish legislation already now," she explained.

"We are willing to go as far as we possibly can within the international rules that exist, and when the international rules are not good enough, they must be changed," Frederiksen added.

Reform also notes that foreign criminals who do not comply with their reporting obligation to authorities, will be required to wear a GPS anklet for one year, according to broadcaster DR.