Sweden is considering lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 in serious cases as part of a declared emergency response to rising youth crime. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said the government must stop the use of children in criminal networks, citing a doubling of offences involving suspects under 15 over the last decade. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson had earlier announced a reduction to 14 for severe cases; the new draft now proposes 13. The proposal has drawn criticism from police, prison services and civil groups who warn that younger children could be recruited into gangs, that prisons are ill‑prepared for such juveniles, and that the measure may violate children’s rights. Some argue the law could backfire by encouraging further recruitment. The bill will be sent to the Swedish Legislative Council for review before it reaches parliament.

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