Over the past couple of weeks, Danish prisons have been the scene of four outbreaks of violence between erstwhile allies in the ongoing gang conflict.

Foto: Martin Sylvest Andersen © Scanpix

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Gang conflict impacts prisons

25. feb. 2010 15.11 English

Over the past couple of weeks, Danish prisons have been the scene of four outbreaks of violence between groups of immigrants who were previously allies in the ongoing gang conflict.

Therefore, the Danish Prison and Probation Service is now separating the warring parties, head of security Michael Gjørup tells DR radio show P1 Dokumentar.

Animosity escalated into open conflict two weeks ago, when two persons from the Mjølnerparken neighbourhood were shot in Heimdalsgade in Nørrebro, Copenhagen.

Gang members from the Blågårds Plads and Mjølnerparken neighbourhoods in Nørrebro have previously served time together, but have been separated from biker gang members in order to avoid outbreaks of violence in prisons. At the moment, Danish prisons hold some 210 gang members. According to DR's information, 25-30 of them will have to be moved in the wake of recent developments.

Translated by Martin Lamberth