Sweden prepares prisons for 13-year-old killers from criminal gangs; one facility for girls

Sweden is confronting a growing crisis of juvenile delinquency, with a proposal to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 13 and establish specialized prisons for young offenders, including a facility for girls. This drastic measure reflects the government's response to a decade-long increase in gang-related shootings and bombings, many carried out by minors.

The current government, facing a tight election in September where crime is a major issue, believes the previous lenient approach has failed. The proposed law would allow children under 15 accused of serious crimes like murder or attempted murder to be sent to prison instead of social welfare institutions. This age limit is lower than in most European countries.

“

We are in an extraordinary situation.

"We are in an extraordinary situation," stated Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer in April, noting that 52 children under 15 were involved in murder or attempted murder proceedings last year. The parliament is set to vote on the law on June 15, with a review scheduled after five years. The government claims its tougher stance is already yielding results, with fewer fatal shootings in 2025 compared to the record high in 2022, and more gang members incarcerated.

However, critics, including some experts and lawmakers, question the effectiveness of imprisoning very young offenders. While the government believes prison will act as a deterrent and rehabilitation programs will prevent recidivism, the challenge of stopping the recruitment of children by gangs remains significant. The new facilities, like the one being repurposed north of Stockholm, will focus on education, with limited free time for activities such as watching television or playing video games. Prison directors anticipate the biggest challenge will be providing emotional support to teenagers.

“

Last year, 52 children under 15 participated in court proceedings as suspects for murder or attempted murder. So, we are not talking about theft, or even violence or robbery. We are talking about murder.