The Swedish government has proposed temporarily lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 for serious crimes such as murder and explosions. The proposal faces strong criticism from the justice system, child rights organizations, and experts who warn of increased crime and violations of the child convention. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer defends it as necessary to protect society.
On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Swedish government, together with the Sweden Democrats, presented a proposal to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 13 for the most serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, gross explosions, and weapons offenses. The change is temporary and will apply for five years, allowing 13-year-olds to be sentenced as adults but with significant sentence discounts for the youngest. The proposal has been sent to the Council on Legislation for review, and the Prison Service plans to have 54 places in special youth wards ready by summer.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M) emphasizes that it addresses an acute problem: 'We have a system that neither succeeds in protecting citizens from life-threatening violence nor in breaking the patterns around these children.' He acknowledges the risks but argues they are weighed against the flaws in the current system, especially given that 52 youths under 15 were involved in murder investigations in 2025.
The criticism is widespread. Of 126 remiss bodies, a majority opposed it, including the Police, Prosecution Authority, Prison Service, and researchers. Senior prosecutor Tobias Kudrén calls it an experiment: 'The consequences are still not thoroughly considered.' The Bar Association's chair Johan Eriksson warns: 'We risk getting more young people into the criminal carousel.' Secretary General Mia Edwall Insulander sees it as a deviation from the Child Convention: 'It becomes an experiment with children that is not acceptable.'
Child rights organizations like Bris and UNICEF are outraged. Bris Secretary General Maria Frisk: 'It is counterproductive and lacks scientific support.' UNICEF's Li Melander describes detention conditions as unsuitable: 'There was a lot of mental illness and a feeling of hopelessness.' Critics suggest instead improved rehabilitation, LVU, or psychiatric compulsory care to focus on reintegration rather than punishment.
