Why did Sweden withdraw the proposal to jail 13-year-olds?

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Sweden Withdraws Proposal to Lower Juvenile Prison Age Due to Lack of Parliamentary Support

Sweden's right-wing government has withdrawn its controversial proposal to lower the minimum age for children to be sentenced to prison from 15 to 13. This decision was primarily driven by a significant lack of support within the Swedish parliament. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer indicated that the government intends to present a revised proposal within weeks, aiming to lower the age to 14 instead, a move he believes will garner broader parliamentary approval by August.
Opposition to the Initial Proposal

The initial proposal to lower the age to 13 faced widespread criticism from a substantial number of authorities and organisations consulted by the government. Among those expressing significant reservations or outright opposition were key institutions such as the police and the prison service. This broad-based dissent highlighted concerns about the implications of such a policy change on the juvenile justice system and child welfare.
Revised Proposal Focuses on Age 14

Following the withdrawal, the government's revised strategy will focus on lowering the age of criminal responsibility for imprisonment to 14. This adjusted approach aligns more closely with the recommendation made by a government-appointed commissioner, who had previously suggested 14 as the appropriate age for serious offences. The Justice Minister expressed optimism that this modified proposal would find greater consensus among lawmakers.
Broader Context of Rising Youth Crime

The debate surrounding the juvenile prison age occurs against a backdrop of over a decade of escalating violent organised crime in Sweden, particularly involving gangs that recruit individuals under 15 for criminal activities. These young people are often engaged in serious offences like bombings and shootings, with the knowledge that current laws prevent them from being imprisoned. Many of the state-run care and rehabilitation facilities, known as SiS homes, have reportedly become recruitment grounds for these criminal networks, exacerbating the issue.

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Why did Sweden withdraw the proposal to jail 13-year-olds?

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