Sweden abandons plan to lower criminal responsibility age to 13

Yesterday 11:30

Sweden’s centre-right government has decided to abandon its proposal to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13, following insufficient political support in parliament, according to Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer.

Instead of the original plan, the government will now introduce revised legislation setting the minimum age at 14 years old, marking a compromise in an ongoing national debate over youth crime and criminal justice reform.

The proposal had sparked controversy in Sweden, where concerns over rising gang-related violence have intensified in recent years. The country has experienced a significant increase in shootings and organized criminal activity, with authorities warning that criminal networks are increasingly recruiting younger individuals.

Justice Minister Strömmer stated that more than 50 children under the age of 15 were suspected last year of involvement in serious crimes, including murder and attempted murder. He emphasized that the government remains committed to strengthening the justice system while acknowledging political limits to more drastic reforms.

Sweden has already introduced a series of measures aimed at tackling organized crime, including tougher sentencing laws and expanded police powers. However, officials admit that existing youth rehabilitation systems have struggled to prevent the recruitment of minors into violent criminal networks.

Currently, children under 15 who commit serious crimes are placed in youth care institutions rather than prison facilities. Critics argue that this system has not been effective in deterring repeat offenses or preventing gang involvement.

The revised proposal to lower the age to 14 reflects a more moderate approach, balancing demands for tougher justice policies with concerns about child rights and rehabilitation principles.

The decision highlights ongoing tensions in Sweden’s political debate over how to address rising gang violence while maintaining the country’s traditional emphasis on social welfare and juvenile protection.