Swedish government accused of trying to ‘outlaw poverty’ over begging ban plans

Human rights lawyers have said that a ban on begging would contravene the right to a private life and freedom of expression. Photograph: Sean Spencer/Alamy

The Swedish government has been accused of trying to “outlaw poverty” after it presented plans for a national begging ban.

The centre-right coalition, backed by the far-right Sweden Democrats, has announced a nine-month inquiry into the implementation of a national begging ban, saying that if it is deemed feasible such a prohibition could become law.