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Denmark announces harsher punishments for fireworks offences

Ritzau/The Local
Ritzau/The Local - [email protected]
Denmark announces harsher punishments for fireworks offences
Fireworks on sale in 2019. Photo: Niels Christian Vilmann/Ritzau Scanpix

Harsher penalties are to be introduced for people who set off fireworks at police and emergency services or at passers-by on the street.

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Punishments meted out for such offences will become a third more severe than they are currently.

Copenhagen Police announced the rule change in a statement in connection with a firework safety campaign, Ritzau reports.

People who intentionally endanger others using fireworks can, under current laws, be punished with between 10 and 60 days in prison.

If a public servant like a police officer is targeted, the culprit can face between four and nine months in jail.

Both types of offence will now be subject to stronger sentences.

READ ALSO: 228 injured by New Year 2020 fireworks in Denmark

“The new, sharper punishment underlines that there can be serious legal consequences if you set off fireworks at others,” Copenhagen Police director Anne Tønnes said in the statement.

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Lars Weiss, the lord mayor of the Danish capital, said the majority of residents act responsibly when it comes to fireworks.

“But last year, we unfortunately saw that some people were incapable (of being sensible) and were therefore a danger to their surroundings,” Weiss said in the statement.

Denmark restricts the sale of fireworks so they can be purchased from December 15th until New Year's Eve and set off from December 27th.

READ ALSO: Why does Denmark go so crazy for New Year's Eve fireworks?

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