Sweden’s government has abandoned its proposal to place violent offenders as young as 13 in special prison units after failing to secure enough parliamentary support. The move marks a significant policy reversal ahead of national elections, as lawmakers remain divided over how to tackle rising youth involvement in gang-related crime.

Instead, the government plans to introduce legislation lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 14. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer said the change would allow authorities to impose more appropriate penalties on young offenders while creating better opportunities for rehabilitation. The proposal comes amid growing concern over gang violence, with dozens of serious crimes in recent years involving minors.

The government argues stronger measures are needed to protect society and prevent repeat offending, but critics have questioned the effectiveness of harsher punishments for children. Opposition parties, legal experts, and child rights advocates opposed the original plan to imprison 13-year-olds, noting that international standards recommend a minimum age of criminal responsibility of 14. Sweden’s revised proposal now aligns with the average age threshold across Europe.

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