Masstillstånd

Masstillstånd is a Swedish term that translates to "mass disturbance" or "public order disturbance." It refers to situations where a large number of people gather in a way that disrupts public peace and order, potentially leading to riots, violence, or significant property damage. These events are often spontaneous and can arise from various causes, including protests, sporting events, or social unrest.

Swedish law provides for measures to address masstillstånd. Police have the authority to intervene to prevent or disperse such gatherings if they pose a threat to public safety or order. This can involve issuing warnings, using crowd control tactics, and making arrests. The legal framework aims to balance the right to assemble peacefully with the need to maintain law and order.

The concept of masstillstånd acknowledges that large crowds can, under certain circumstances, become unruly and dangerous. It is not solely about the size of the gathering but rather the behavior of the participants and the impact on public security. Authorities monitor public events and demonstrations to identify potential risks of masstillstånd and implement preventative strategies. The term is used in legal contexts and in media reporting to describe and categorize serious disturbances involving large groups of people.