Sweden lowers criminal responsibility age to 14 amid gang violence surge

Sweden's parliament has lowered the age of criminal responsibility to 14, a move aimed at combating a decade of escalating gang violence. The decision followed a debate where the government's initial proposal to lower the age to 13 was met with significant opposition.

Lawmakers voted 281 to 66 in favor of the 14-year-old threshold. This change comes as Sweden, particularly its capital Stockholm, has been grappling with a surge in gang-related crime, largely driven by conflicts over the drug trade. The conservative minority government, supported by the far-right Sweden Democrats, has made tackling crime a central focus since taking office in 2022.

The government had initially aimed for a 13-year-old minimum age for criminal responsibility. However, consultations with over 126 groups, including police and prison services, revealed widespread objections to this lower age. Consequently, the government adjusted its proposal to 14.

In addition to lowering the age of criminal responsibility, parliament also approved a reduction in the maximum prison sentences for young offenders. Individuals under 18 can now be imprisoned for up to 18 years. The new legislation is set to take effect on September 10, just days before national elections.