Sweden Plans to Lower Criminal Age to 14 Amid Rise in Violent Crime by Children

Sweden has ‌seen a ⁠big rise in gang crime and drug-related violence over the past 20 years, and has among the highest number of shootings in Europe.

Ambulance and police stand at the scene where Swedish rapper Einar was fatally shot in Hammarby Sjostad district, in Stockholm, Sweden, on Oct. 22, 2021. Christine Olsson/TT News Agency via AP

The Swedish government ‌has announced plans to reduce the age of criminal ‌responsibility to 14 after dropping plans to lock up violent offenders as young as 13 in special prison units.

Earlier this month, Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer announced plans to cut the age from 15 to 13, but on June 11, he said there was not enough support in parliament for that and that he had agreed to compromise at 14.