Norway bans motorcycle clubs to stop gang violence

The widely feared organization originated in the Netherlands, and has chapters in multiple countries, reports Euro News.

Norway's highest court on Wednesday called the Norwegian arm of Dutch motorcycle club Satudarah a criminal association and banned the group, saying it was necessary to prevent serious crime.

The Supreme Court said participants in the club, known for a history of violent crime, extortion, illegal drug trade, and arms trafficking allegations, "repeatedly committed serious offences against someone's life, health and freedom," and that their actions were "apt to cause fear in the population".

The court added that although Satudarah describes itself as a motorcycle club and is open to ethnic minorities, participants didn't need to have a motorcycle or a license to join.

"Nor does the club aim to promote multi-ethnic interests," it wrote.

The Supreme Court also noted that the gang describes "itself as a so-called 1% club - a term normally used for motorcycle clubs that live on the fringes of society's laws and rules."

According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Satudarah set foot in Norway in 2014. Last year, police asked courts to ban Satudarah because of its alleged criminal activities, which were said to include drug offences and violent clashes with other gangs.

The club originated in the Netherlands, where it was started by mostly Moluccan immigrants. Its name means "One Blood" in Indonesian Malay. The Dutch authorities eventually banned it, as did Germany in 2015.

In neighbouring Denmark, the local chapter dissolved itself in May 2023 and became Comanches MC. In Sweden, the chapter was disbanded after all of its members were arrested for drug-related offences and gun possession.

In Europe, Satudarah MC has established a local presence in Austria, Bosnia, Serbia, Belgium, France, Spain and elsewhere.
Sweden's gang violence has escalated to the point where its homicide rate linked to gang warfare is now one of the highest in Europe, with shooters often being minors.

There is an average of one shooting per day for every 10 million inhabitants, and in 2023, 53 people were killed in shootings.