Sweden has introduced new rules for juvenile prisoners as part of a bill that would lower the age of criminal responsibility for the most serious crimes from 15 to 13. The move comes as a reaction to the rise in violent crime among young people, especially in the context of a crackdown on rival criminal gangs.
The center-right minority government, supported by the Sweden Democrats party, announced changes to the law last year. They would include the most serious crimes such as murder, bombings and rape. The proposal now needs to be confirmed by the parliament, and if it is adopted, it will be valid for a trial period of five years and will come into force on July 1.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer stated that society and forms of crime have changed significantly. According to him, although young people generally commit fewer crimes than before, those who commit them are more often involved in serious and repeated crimes.
It is planned that eight prisons will receive special departments for minors, three of which should start operating on July 1. Children would have a different regime than adult prisoners – they would be locked up for 11 hours at night, instead of 14, with guaranteed classes, separate dining room, playground, gym and health care.
Most of the 126 institutions and professional bodies consulted by the government expressed opposition to the proposal, including the police and prison service. Organizations for the protection of children’s rights, such as BRIS, have also criticized the reform, which believes that the reform is insufficiently analyzed and could have the opposite effect, encouraging criminal networks to recruit even younger children.
Despite the criticism, the government stands by its proposal, stressing the need for a more decisive response to organized violent crime.
(Vijesti.ba)
