Stockholm [Sweden], October 28: Sweden, which has been plagued by severe gang-related crime, on Monday announced plans to place offenders as young as 13 in youth detention centres starting next summer - even though they cannot be held criminally liable due to their age.
The government in Stockholm had previously tasked the national prison authority with creating sections in detention facilities for 15- to 17-year-olds who have committed serious crimes.
This mandate is now being expanded to include 13- and 14-year-olds, the Swedish Justice Ministry announced.
For years, Sweden has been grappling with criminal gangs that frequently recruit minors to carry out serious crimes, including murders. Under current legislation, 13- and 14-year-olds are not yet criminally liable, though a legislative proposal from the liberal-conservative government of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson aims to change this for particularly serious offences. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
