Swedish government passes bill to imprison 14-year-olds, eliminate sentence discount
On Thursday, Swedish parliament voted in favour of the government's proposal to lower the age of criminal responsibility, along with other crime and punishment proposals including eliminating the sentencing 'discount' for multiple offences.
On August 12th, the Swedish parliament endorsed the government's proposals to lower the age of criminal responsibility and modify the sentencing discount for minors. These bills underwent a second vote on August 13th and were subsequently approved. The amendments include lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 14 for serious crimes, reducing the discount on sentences for minors aged 15-17, permitting electronic monitoring for children as young as 13, and scrapping the discount for multiple crimes committed simultaneously.
This move would enable 14-year-olds to be imprisoned, according to Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer. The Left Party, the Green Party, and the Centre Party opposed the bill, while the Social Democrats endorsed it. Lawyers criticized the proposal for lacking a proper release plan and questioned whether the government's bill lacks a specified entry into force date.
Critics also noted that the government is requesting a blank check from the Riksdag. The Tidö parties have vowed to implement the proposal between 2029 and 2030, emphasizing the need for sufficient prison capacity. Critics urge that the government must ensure adequate prison spaces before enforcing such legislation.
Written by urgent.news from The Local Sweden's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
