Hells Angels trial opens after violent party crash

The trial against 19 members from motorcycle gang Hells Angels, who crashed a biker party in southern Sweden earlier this year, began in Gothenburg on Tuesday.

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“Aggravated assault, aggravated violence, aggravated damage to others’ property for all of the accused,” the prosecutor said during the trial, according to Sveriges Radio (SR).

The gang members stand accused of viciously assaulting at least eight people at a private party held by a motorcycle club in Kalmar for their family and friends, where they reportedly severely beat some of the party goers while others were forced to watch.

“The perpetrators have shown particular brutality in suddenly descending upon and attacking some 40 people during a private party where family members were present,” said prosecutor Åsa Adolfsson in court on Tuesday, according to SR.

Several witness calls to SOS Alarm from the scene on the night of the attack were also played during the trial’s opening day:

“We are being invaded by a gang with iron rods and stuff. You need to hurry, bloody well hurry. There are definitely 40-50 people,” one man could be heard saying.

“The Hells Angels are knocking everyone out, we have children here and family, you have to come really quickly,” shouted one witness down the phone.

“Can you send a damn bunch of police! HA are here and they’re knocking everyone out,” another man could be heard saying.

According to the prosecutor, the gang members wanted the club shut down, but he couldn’t say why. The targeted motorcycle club has been described as being made up of “typical Swedes”, people with kids who like to ride motor cycles and party, according to news agency TT.

Some 30 people were reportedly victims of the attack, of which at least 8 were assaulted, according to Adolfsson. Others have been forced to watch their peers’ ordeal.

“They had no choice. They’ve been told to sit still,” said Adolfsson.

The trial was held in Gothenburg District Court because of the security measures needed and is expected to go on for seven weeks. All of the accused deny all allegations against them.

TT/The Local/rm
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