Fourteen-year-olds can now be jailed for Sweden's gravest offences
Fourteen-year-olds can now be prosecuted and punished for Sweden's most serious crimes after a temporary lowering of the age of criminal responsibility took effect on Thursday.
The five-year rule covers offences including murder, aggravated rape, kidnapping and aggravated weapons offences. A convicted 14-year-old can receive a criminal sanction, including prison, when the legal conditions for that sentence are met.
Parliament approved the change on 13 August. The wider package also sharply reduces sentence discounts for offenders aged 15 to 17, raises the maximum fixed prison term for crimes committed before 18 from 14 to 18 years, and removes the youth discount for 18- to 20-year-olds.
The government says the change responds to a rise in serious offending by children and is needed to maintain confidence in the justice system. The Left, Centre and Green parties opposed the lower age. The Children's Ombudsman has cited child-rights concerns, weak evidence that it will reduce crime and a risk that gangs recruit even younger children. The law expires on 10 September 2031 unless Parliament acts again.
DailySweden
DailySweden's desk of editors, reporters, researchers and investigative journalists. We bring readers factual, truthful and objective reporting on the issues that matter to them.
Contact the editorial desk ›
