ON
← Back to feed
Sweden reduces age of criminal responsibility to 14
Slovenia🏛️ PoliticsLean Conservative9 days ago

Sweden reduces age of criminal responsibility to 14

Švedski parlament je v četrtek potrdil zakon, ki znižuje starostno mejo kazenske odgovornosti za huda kazniva dejanja s 15 na 14 let. Zakon je predlagala manjšinska desna vlada premiera Ulfa Kristerssona, ki ga želi uporabiti kot del boja proti kriminalu. Zakon bo začel veljati 10. septembra, tri dni pred parlamentarnimi volitvami. Za zakon je glasovalo 281 poslancev, med njimi tudi opozicijski socialdemokrati, 66 jih je glasovalo proti. Vlada je sprva želela mejo znižati na 13 let, vendar je ta predlog junija umaknila zaradi nedostatka podpore. Odločitev je nastala po več kot desetletju nasilja kriminalnih združb, ki se spopadajo predvsem za nadzor nad trgom prepovedanih drog. Vlada se je posvetovala s 126 ustanovami in organizacijami, med njimi tudi policija in uprava zaporov, ki so večinoma nasprotovale ukrepu. Zakon omejuje tudi ugodnosti pri odmeri zapornih kazni za mlade storilce, tako da mlajši od 18 let lahko dobijo do 18 let zapora.

Sweden’s parliament has passed a law lowering the age of criminal responsibility for serious offenses from 15 to 14 years old, marking a significant shift in the country's legal framework. The measure was proposed by the minority right-wing government led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, which has positioned itself as a firm opponent of crime since taking office in 2022. The law will come into effect on September 10, three days before parliamentary elections, and will apply to individuals under 18 who commit serious crimes. The proposal initially aimed to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 13 years, but faced opposition from a majority of lawmakers and was withdrawn in June. After consultations with 126 organizations and institutions, including police and prison authorities, most expressed concerns or outright opposition to the measure. A government-commissioned expert report recommended setting the age of criminal responsibility for serious offenses at 14 years. The final law, approved by 281 members of parliament including opposition Social Democrats, reduces the maximum prison sentence for juvenile offenders to 18 years. The change comes amid ongoing tensions related to organized crime in Sweden, particularly around the control of illegal drug markets. In recent years, there have been increasing incidents of shootings, bombings, and other violent acts, often involving teenagers under 15 years old. According to the Swedish police, approximately 1,700 minors were active members of criminal groups in 2024. The new law aims to address these challenges by extending the scope of criminal accountability to younger offenders while also limiting the benefits of leniency in sentencing for juveniles. Political dynamics played a key role in shaping the outcome. The government, supported by far-right parties such as the Swedish Democrats, has made combating crime a central policy goal. However, public support for the ruling coalition and its allies has remained relatively stable, with recent polls showing them likely to secure around 47% of votes, compared to 51% for the left-leaning opposition. Despite this slight advantage, the opposition has maintained a narrow lead over the government. The decision reflects broader societal concerns about youth involvement in criminal activities and the need for stricter measures to deter such behavior. While some critics argue that lowering the age of criminal responsibility could lead to increased incarceration of young offenders, proponents believe it sends a clear message that even younger individuals will face consequences for serious crimes. The law also introduces changes to how juvenile offenders are treated within the justice system, reducing certain privileges previously afforded to those under 18. With the law set to take effect just days before the election, political analysts suggest it may serve as a strategic move to bolster the government’s image as a tough-on-crime administration. However, the effectiveness of the policy in curbing organized crime remains uncertain, as many of the perpetrators continue to be teenagers already operating within the criminal underworld. The long-term impact of the legislation will depend on how it is implemented and whether it leads to meaningful reductions in violent crime among youth.

3 reports

Delo logoDeloIndependent🔒ConservativeFactual 95Objective 809 days ago
Sweden reduces age of criminal responsibility to 14

Švedski parlament je v četrtek potrdil zakon, ki znižuje starostno mejo kazenske odgovornosti za huda kazniva dejanja s 15 na 14 let. Zakon je predlagala manjšinska desna vlada premiera Ulfa Kristerssona, ki ga želi uporabiti kot del boja proti kriminalu. Zakon bo začel veljati 10. septembra, tri dni pred parlamentarnimi volitvami. Za zakon je glasovalo 281 poslancev, med njimi tudi opozicijski socialdemokrati, 66 jih je glasovalo proti. Vlada je sprva želela mejo znižati na 13 let, vendar je ta predlog junija umaknila zaradi nedostatka podpore. Odločitev je nastala po več kot desetletju nasilja kriminalnih združb, ki se spopadajo predvsem za nadzor nad trgom prepovedanih drog. Vlada se je posvetovala s 126 ustanovami in organizacijami, med njimi tudi policija in uprava zaporov, ki so večinoma nasprotovale ukrepu. Zakon omejuje tudi ugodnosti pri odmeri zapornih kazni za mlade storilce, tako da mlajši od 18 let lahko dobijo do 18 let zapora.

Bias read (Conservative): Artikel emphasizes the right-wing government's initiative to lower the age of criminal responsibility, frames the measure as part of a broader anti-crime strategy, and highlights the support from conservative parties. It mentions opposition from left-leaning groups and institutions but does not give

Why factuality (95): The article offers precise and detailed reporting on the new law, including the number of lawmakers voting for and against, the original proposal to lower the age to 13, and the reasons behind the decision. It cites reliable sources such as Euronews and provides context about the rise in youth-relat

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a balanced tone by presenting both the government's rationale and the criticism from various organizations. It avoids taking an overtly political stance and focuses on the facts, making it the most objective of the three.

N1 Slovenija logoN1 SlovenijaIndependentConservativeFactual 90Objective 759 days ago
In Sweden, 14-year-olds will be criminally liable

The Swedish parliament has approved a proposed law lowering the age of criminal responsibility for serious offenses from 15 to 14 years old. The bill was introduced by the minority right-wing government led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, which promised a strong fight against crime. The proposal received support from 281 lawmakers, including opposition Social Democrats, while 66 voted against it. Over 126 institutions and organizations, including the police and prison administration, were critical of or opposed the measure. The new law also reduces the maximum prison sentence for minors committing crimes to 18 years. The law will take effect on September 10, three days before parliamentary elections. Recent surveys show a slight lead for the left-center opposition over the ruling parties, though the gap is narrowing.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the policy change as part of the right-wing government’s anti-crime agenda, emphasizing their commitment to reducing youth crime through stricter measures. It highlights the government’s emphasis on combating organized crime and mentions the backing of far-right parties, while the

Why factuality (90): This article provides clear and consistent information about the law lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 14, including the number of votes, the government involved, and the background of the policy. It references Euronews and includes details about the consultation process and police esti

Why objectivity (75): While the article remains largely neutral, it frames the law as part of a broader political strategy, particularly noting the timing close to elections. This gives a slight tilt toward the government's perspective, though it still presents opposing views.

Maribor24 logoMaribor24IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 709 days ago
In this European country, 14-year-olds will now be criminally liable

The article discusses a proposed law in Sweden that would make 14-year-olds criminally responsible for serious offenses, a proposal backed by the minority right-wing government led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The bill was supported by 281 parliamentarians, including opposition Social Democrats, but opposed by 66 members. Initially, the government had wanted to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 13, but faced lack of parliamentary majority and criticism from over 126 organizations, including police and prison authorities. A commissioned expert report recommended setting the age at 14 for severe crimes. The law, which reduces prison sentences for juvenile offenders, will take effect on September 10, just three days before parliamentary elections. Recent polls show a slight advantage for the left-center opposition over right-wing parties, though the gap is narrowing.

Bias read (Center): While the article presents the proposal as a significant legislative change with strong support from the ruling coalition and some opposition parties, it also highlights the controversy surrounding the lowering of the age of criminal responsibility, including criticism from various organizations and

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the lowering of the age of criminal responsibility in Sweden from 15 to 14 years, citing the parliamentary vote, the involvement of the minority right-wing government, and the consultation process with 126 organizations. It also mentions the law coming into effect befo

Why objectivity (70): The tone leans slightly towards presenting the change as a significant political move, especially given the timing near elections. While it presents both sides (support and opposition), it emphasizes the government's stance more than the critics, giving a somewhat biased impression.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories