Sweden Takes Action Against Gang Crime... Lowers Juvenile Exemption Age from 15 to 14

Sharp Rise in Use of Minors for Murder and Shootings
Offenders Under 18 to Face Up to 18 Years in Prison

Sweden will lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility for juveniles from the current 15 to 14 years old. This measure strengthens penalties in response to the growing number of cases where gangs are recruiting young teens to commit serious crimes, including murder.

The scene of the shooting incident in Malmo, Sweden where a 13-year-old boy was killed (2019). Photo by Yonhap News.

According to Euronews and other sources on August 13 (local time), the Swedish parliament has passed a bill to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14. The new standard will take effect starting September 10.

The Swedish government initially considered lowering the age to 13 but withdrew the plan in June, taking into account public opposition and the bill’s likelihood of passing in parliament. Most of the 126 organizations consulted by the government, including the police and correctional authorities, also opposed setting the age at 13.

Recently in Sweden, gang conflicts over the drug market have intensified, leading to a sharp increase in cases of minors being used in criminal activities. Offenders assign acts such as murder and shootings to young teens who can avoid criminal punishment.

Accordingly, the Swedish parliament not only lowered the juvenile exemption age but also significantly reduced the extent to which sentences are mitigated for juvenile offenders. Going forward, offenders under 18 may receive prison sentences of up to 18 years.

However, debate continues over whether strengthening punishment can fundamentally reduce juvenile crime. There are concerns that lowering the age of criminal responsibility may result in criminal organizations targeting even younger children for illegal acts.

Across Europe, the age of criminal responsibility is generally set at around 14 to 15. The United Kingdom has a lower threshold at 10, and France at 13.

The centrist-right government led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has made eradicating gang crime a key policy priority. The administration is also reviewing measures such as requiring children and teens at risk of being recruited by criminal organizations to wear electronic monitoring devices.

The new age of criminal responsibility will take effect three days before the general election on September 13.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.