Sweden May Jail 13-Year-Olds in Gang Crackdown

Sweden's government has proposed lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13. The move targets violent youth gangs that are increasingly recruiting children. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer stated the change is necessary. He said gangs are exploiting current laws by using younger teenagers for serious crimes. If passed, the law would allow courts to sentence 13- and 14-year-olds to youth custody for offenses like murder, rape, and aggravated assault. Currently, most under-15s receive social services support, not prison sentences. Critics argue the plan risks criminalizing very young children. They say it may violate international children's rights conventions, which stress rehabilitation over punishment for minors. The proposal follows a surge in gang-related violence in Sweden. The government will send the bill to parliament for review later this year.