Statues of Children in Prison Uniforms – Highlighting Criticism of Lowering the Age of Criminal Responsibility

“13-year-olds should not be in prison.” That is the message printed on prison uniforms worn by child statues in several Swedish cities. The initiative comes from the children’s rights organization Bris, to draw attention to the criticism of the government’s proposal to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 for certain serious crimes.

“The government has already faced massive criticism when the proposal to lower the age from 15 to 14 for serious crimes was presented earlier this year. Despite strong objections from experts, the Swedish Police Authority and the court system the government chose to go even further and lower it to 13. This is deeply concerning, not least because the proposal increases the risk of even younger children committing crimes,” says Maria Frisk, Secretary General of Bris.

Bris is not alone in opposing the proposal. In January, a government inquiry was presented suggesting that the age of criminal responsibility be lowered from the current 15 years to 14 for certain serious crimes. Seven out of nine of the inquiry’s own experts issued critical statements, and almost all referral bodies submitted negative responses. Despite this, the government has proceeded with the proposal and lowered the age further to 13. November 12 is the final day for referral bodies to submit their responses regarding the proposal.