Stockholm: The Swedish Parliament has made a historic move to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 14, paving the way for immediate imprisonment of juvenile offenders. This drastic measure aims to strengthen the crackdown on criminal networks and drug trafficking gangs that often recruit children for illegal activities. The new law will officially come into effect on February 10, 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, the parliamentary vote on August 13, 2026, resulted in a majority of 281 votes in favor of the bill, while 66 votes opposed it. In addition to lowering the criminal liability age, the bill also completely removed the right to reduced sentences for juvenile offenders, meaning that minors under 18 who commit serious crimes could face prison sentences of up to 18 years.
This major move by Sweden's right-wing government comes amid preparations for a general election, with a focus on dismantling organized crime after the country has grappled with territorial wars and drug gang violence for over a decade. The government had previously attempted to lower the criminal age to 13, but withdrew the proposal in June due to strong opposition from 126 related agencies and organizations, including the national police and corrections department, who argued that 13 was too young for the justice system.