Kvarhållen

Kvarhållen is a Swedish legal term that translates to "detained" or "held" in English. It refers to the situation where a person is temporarily deprived of their liberty by the authorities. This can occur for various reasons, such as during a police investigation, to prevent a crime, or in certain civil proceedings.

The legal basis for kvarhållen in Sweden is outlined in the Rättegångsbalken (Code of Judicial Procedure) and other relevant legislation. A key principle is that kvarhållen must be based on a legal justification and be proportionate to the objective. It is not a punishment but a measure to facilitate legal processes or prevent immediate harm.

There are different forms of kvarhållen. Police may kvarhållen individuals if there is reasonable suspicion of a crime and it is necessary for investigation, identification, or to prevent the person from absconding or destroying evidence. In other contexts, a court may order kvarhållen as part of bail proceedings or in civil matters where a person's presence is deemed essential.

The duration of kvarhållen is typically limited. For instance, if the police kvarhållen someone, they must generally bring the person before a prosecutor or court within a specified timeframe to determine if further detention is warranted. The individual has rights during kvarhållen, including the right to be informed of the reasons for their detention and the right to legal counsel. The legality of the detention can be challenged.