Sweden plans to lower its age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 years starting in July. The Swedish prison service will create special youth units for these young offenders across the country.
These facilities must be ready by next summer when the legal change takes effect. The prison service already operates separate units for 15 to 17-year-old offenders.
Now they will establish distinct youth departments for 13 and 14-year-olds. These will separate them from older teenage inmates.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer said authorities will initially prepare 100 to 150 places for the youngest offenders. He explained the new units will include school activities and various treatment programs.
This policy shift represents a significant hardening of Sweden's approach to youth crime. The country traditionally maintained one of Europe's highest ages of criminal responsibility.
Many European nations set criminal responsibility between 10 and 14 years. Sweden's current 15-year threshold has been among the highest.
The government argues this change addresses growing concerns about serious youth crime. Critics worry about criminalizing children at such a young age.
What impact will housing 13-year-olds in prison facilities have on their development? The answer may shape Sweden's youth justice system for years to come.