Sweden aims to lower age of criminal responsibility to 13 as gangs recruit children

Sweden is planning to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 for serious crimes due to a rise in gang-related offenses involving children. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer described the situation as an emergency, emphasizing the need to stop the exploitation of children by criminal networks. The proposed legislation, potentially effective this summer, would apply to offenses like murder, aggravated assault, and rape, with possible prison sentences in some cases. While the government aims to protect children and potential victims, several authorities, including police and prison officials, have voiced concerns. They fear it could lead to the recruitment of even younger children and that the prison system is ill-equipped to handle such young offenders. Data shows a doubling of registered offenses linked to suspects under 15 in the last decade.

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