Story perspectives

Sweden Proposes Lowering Criminal Responsibility Age to 13

1/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sweden plans to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 for serious crimes, citing rising gang recruitment.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said the proposal targets murder and aggravated rape and stressed urgency.
Critics, including Fredrik Hjulström, head of a local authority, argue the bill lacks factual support and could politicize the issue ahead of the upcoming election.
The bill will undergo review by Sweden's Council on Legislation.

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Story summary

Sweden plans to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 for serious crimes, citing rising gang recruitment.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said the proposal targets murder and aggravated rape and stressed urgency.
Critics, including Fredrik Hjulström, head of a local authority, argue the bill lacks factual support and could politicize the issue ahead of the upcoming election.
The bill will undergo review by Sweden's Council on Legislation.