James Akesson, leader of the Swedish political party “Sweden Democrats,” has called for a reduction in the criminal responsibility age from 15 to 13 years old, suggesting that life sentences could sometimes be applicable to minors as young as 13.
In a recent radio interview, Akesson expressed his belief that if someone is old enough to commit a serious violent crime, they should also be old enough to bear the consequences of that crime.
“I believe that if dangerous individuals are sent to prison, they will no longer pose a threat to law-abiding citizens. Criminal networks are recruiting children as young as 10 or 11 years old, and children aged 12 to 13 are proficient in handling weapons and explosives. In some cases, children aged 14 to 15 are involved in shooting incidents,” He argued.
The radio report highlighted that the governing parties in Sweden are currently discussing a legislative initiative to lower the age of criminal responsibility in the country from 15 to 13 years old.
Earlier, Swedish Prime Minister Olof Kristersson announced that Swedish authorities would establish specific inspection points in cities starting March 1, 2024, as part of measures to combat crime in the country.
Law enforcement officers will be empowered to conduct personal searches of citizens at these checkpoints.
