Swedish authorities are preparing to propose legislation lowering the criminal responsibility age to 13, aiming to solve the problem of criminal gangs using children to commit offenses, amid opposition from multiple parties.
International news agencies reported on 17 Jan 2026 that Sweden is moving forward with plans to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 for serious crimes, as the country faces an increasing number of children recruited into criminal gangs to carry out violent acts without facing severe legal consequences.
Gunnar Strömmer, Minister of Justice, said Sweden is in an “emergency situation,” and stopping the use of children in criminal networks is a “critical and urgent mission” for the government.
However, several agencies including the police, prison officials, and prosecutors have opposed the plan, with some worried that lowering the age could open a pathway for even younger children to be drawn into criminal activity.
If this law is approved, it is expected to come into effect as early as this summer (June-September).
Strömmer insisted the proposal is not a “general lowering of the criminal responsibility age” but will apply only to the “most serious crimes,” such as murder, attempted murder, serious bombings, serious weapons offenses, and severe sexual abuse.
Under the proposal, some offenders may face imprisonment in certain cases.
Data from the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention shows that recorded offenses linked to suspects under 15 have doubled over the past decade, prompting the government to vow a firm crackdown on organized crime.
Earlier in 2025, a government-appointed inquiry committee recommended lowering the criminal responsibility age to 14 for serious offenses. However, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed in September that the age would definitely be reduced from 15, stating that children are “being brutally exploited by criminal networks to commit serious crimes.”
“To protect these children and potential victims, the government is taking decisive action against such inhumane exploitation,” he added. The government then announced its intention to lower the age to 13 and sent the draft legislation for consultation to 126 agencies and organizations.
The plan has faced criticism and opposition from multiple agencies and organizations. Last November, the police warned that this change risks drawing “much younger children” into criminal gangs as a consequence.
Other groups noted that the prison system is not prepared to accommodate offenders this young, and imprisoning children could violate their rights. Meanwhile, prison and probation authorities said the move might harm children, who should be cared for using “other methods.”
Strömmer said on Monday that he is aware of the criticism against the bill but emphasized the urgency of the current situation. The draft law will be sent to Sweden’s Council on Legislation for review before the government presents it to parliament.
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Source:bbc