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Sweden Lowers Criminal Age to 13 Amid Widespread Criticism

2/19/2026

47 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Sweden's minority right-wing government, backed by the Sweden Democrats, will lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13, effective July 1.
126 authorities, including police and prison services, criticize the reform.
Eight prisons will create special sections for these youths, kept apart from adults, with the reform reviewed after five years.
Critics, including the children's rights association Bris, warn it could increase recidivism.

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Story summary

Sweden's minority right-wing government, backed by the Sweden Democrats, will lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13, effective July 1.
126 authorities, including police and prison services, criticize the reform.
Eight prisons will create special sections for these youths, kept apart from adults, with the reform reviewed after five years.
Critics, including the children's rights association Bris, warn it could increase recidivism.