Story perspectives

Sweden votes to lower criminal age to 13, lock juveniles.

6/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sweden will vote on June 15 to lower the criminal-responsibility age to 13 and place juvenile offenders in locked, phone-free prisons.
Gang shootings and bombings by children 11 produced 52 under-15 murder or attempted-murder suspects last year.
Critics argue imprisoning children could cause lasting damage despite plans for schoolwork, chess lessons and emotional support.
A National Audit Office report found nine-in-ten placed in youth institutions reoffend and eight-in-ten enter adult prison.

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Story summary

Sweden will vote on June 15 to lower the criminal-responsibility age to 13 and place juvenile offenders in locked, phone-free prisons.
Gang shootings and bombings by children 11 produced 52 under-15 murder or attempted-murder suspects last year.
Critics argue imprisoning children could cause lasting damage despite plans for schoolwork, chess lessons and emotional support.
A National Audit Office report found nine-in-ten placed in youth institutions reoffend and eight-in-ten enter adult prison.