Sweden withdraws plan to jail 13 years olds after backlash

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Stockholm: Sweden dropped a controversial proposal that would have enabled 13-year-olds to be imprisoned in special prison units after it failed to win sufficient political support.

The proposal was put forward in light of growing worries about young children's involvement in gang violence and major crimes. It attempted to allow the custody of children as young as 13 in extraordinary circumstances. However, Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer revealed that the government has cancelled the idea due to strong opposition from politicians and child rights campaigners.

The government will focus on a revised reform package that suggests cutting down the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 14, along with more comprehensive measures targeting juvenile crime and gang recruiting, rather than moving forward with jail at that age.

As organised crime involving kids continues to develop in Sweden, officials said the decision emphasises ongoing concerns about finding a balance between public safety and child protection norms.