NCJ Number
182070
Journal
Gazette Volume: 61 Issue: 7-12 Dated: July/August 1999 Pages: 51-57
Editor(s)
Andre Thouin
Date Published
1999
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article discusses activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs in countries around the world.
Abstract
From 1994 to 1997, the biker war in Scandinavia resulted in 11 killings, 73 attempted killings and 96 wounded persons, of whom 21 were innocent bystanders or police officers on duty. Several of the attacks were carried out with heavy military weapons such as anti-tank weapons, grenades and explosives. Although outlaw bikers have contempt for society and law, they will exploit any law for their own profit. They have challenged court decisions, used bribery of and threats against witnesses, informants, police, public officials and judges. Investigative and operational options can be limited as the bikers have lawyers exploiting every legal loophole. Several biker gangs in Maine, claiming they were discriminated against by restaurants and bars on the basis of their leathers and colors, appealed for protection under the Maine Human Rights Act. However, the Maine Human Rights Commission ruled against the claim, saying the Human Rights Act was intended to deal with major problems of racial, sexual or religious discrimination, and the bikers’ claim was not such a case. References