Trial Harsher sentences in gang crime case in Neuchâtel

On Monday, the Neuchâtel Criminal Court found seven young people guilty in connection with a kidnapping between rival gangs from La Chaux-de-Fonds and Biel/Bienne. The sentences were harsher than in the first instance.

The prison sentences for assault were upheld against all defendants, as requested by the public prosecutor. "The sentences are harsh because you have to send a message. These are not youthful mistakes," said court president Marie-Pierre de Montmollin.

The court imposed an unconditional prison sentence of 41 months on the main defendant, compared to two years in the first instance. The second-highest sentence was 33 years in prison without parole.

A third defendant was given a conditional prison sentence of 20 months and 20 daily rates of 10 francs and banned from the country for five years.

The defendants had assaulted, beaten and kidnapped a teenager in Neuchâtel in March 2021.

SDA