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Sweden Proposes Lowering Criminal Responsibility to 13 for Serious Crimes for Five Years

Officials cite rising under‑15 crime linked to gang recruitment via encrypted apps.

Overview

  • The Moderate-led coalition, backed by the Sweden Democrats, unveiled the plan in an Expressen op‑ed without specifying when it would take effect.
  • The change would cover serious offenses such as murder and major bomb attacks and is framed as a time‑limited measure lasting five years.
  • The package includes special youth prison units, the removal of lenient penalties for minors, expanded police coercive powers, and looser data‑sharing among schools, police and social services.
  • Authorities report that gangs recruit teenagers via encrypted apps and that some leaders operate from abroad, as suspected offenses by under‑15s have doubled over the past decade.
  • Child‑rights group BRIS warned the policy could be counterproductive by encouraging gangs to target even younger children.