Sweden has abandoned plans to build a dedicated prison for young offenders under the age of 13 following a parliamentary vote against the proposal. The decision comes as the nation grapples with a surge in serious crimes committed by minors; in 2023 alone, over 50 children aged 15 and under were prosecuted for attempted murder or murder, according to Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer. The government is now pursuing alternative measures, including lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 14 and establishing specialized youth units within existing adult prisons. Strömmer argues this will allow for more just sentencing and improved rehabilitation. Critics, like the head of the children’s rights organization Bris, contend that improving youth care facilities would be more effective than incarceration, and lowering the age of responsibility won’t address the root causes. Sweden has seen a significant increase in violent crime overall, with 121 homicides reported in 2023, up from 87 a decade prior, partially attributed to gang activity like the Foxtrot network utilizing minors in criminal acts.