Sweden Introduces New Prison Policies for Young Offenders Starting at Age 13

On Thursday, Sweden provided details about the upcoming prison regulations for children as young as 13 who are found guilty of grave crimes, with these changes anticipated to be implemented in July.

The minority right-wing administration, which has the backing of the far-right Sweden Democrats, announced earlier in the year its intention to reduce the age of criminal accountability from 15 to 13 as part of efforts to tackle the increasing levels of violent crime.

This proposal has encountered substantial opposition. Out of 126 public entities consulted, many, including police departments and the correctional system, voiced criticism or outright rejection of the initiative. Nonetheless, the government has remained steadfast in its plans.

Sweden has struggled for over ten years with a surge in gang-related violence, characterized by shootings and bombings linked to rival criminal organizations vying for dominance in the drug market. Authorities highlight that gangs have been increasingly drawing children under the age of 15 via online channels, taking advantage of the previous inability of these minors to face incarceration.

With the new policy, eight current prisons will establish specialized units for young offenders, with three expected to start operations by July 1, coinciding with the reform's launch.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer affirmed that minors would be segregated from adult prisoners. They will be confined to their cells for 11 hours at night, compared to 14 hours for adults. During the day, they will participate in schooling and have access to various facilities, including a cafeteria, recreational areas, a gym, and healthcare services.

“Society and crime have fundamentally evolved,” Strömmer stated, asserting that while the overall incidence of youth crime has decreased, those who do engage in criminal activities are committing increasingly severe offenses involving weapons and explosives.

Child advocacy organization Bris condemned the reform, labeling it “unproductive, insufficiently researched, and a breach of children's rights.” The group cautioned that incarcerating children at such a tender age might lead to a rise in recidivism and push criminal groups to recruit even younger individuals.

The government has characterized this legislation as provisional, with the law intended to be enforced for an initial five-year term.