Sweden moves to allow prison sentences for 13-year-olds
Sweden’s government said on Tuesday it will introduce legislation to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 for the most serious crimes, paving the way for prison sentences in exceptional cases.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer said the proposal would apply only to grave offences such as murder, attempted murder, aggravated bombings, gun crimes and rape, stressing it was not a general lowering of criminal responsibility.
The move comes as Sweden struggles to curb a decade-long surge in gang-related violence, with criminal networks increasingly recruiting children under 15 to carry out shootings and bomb attacks, knowing they cannot be jailed.
The proposal has drawn criticism from police, prosecutors and prison authorities, who warn it could expose even younger children to gang recruitment and strain a system unprepared to handle such young offenders. Child rights concerns have also been raised.
Strömmer said the country faces an “urgent situation” and confirmed the measure would be temporary, initially lasting five years. The bill will now be reviewed by Sweden’s Legislative Council, with the government aiming for it to take effect this summer.
