Sharp Rise in Legal Prosecution of Swedish Minors Under 15 in 2025

Sweden is witnessing a significant increase in the number of children under 15 years old facing legal prosecution in 2025. As of September this year, 68 children in this age group have been prosecuted, a notable jump compared to 38 prosecuted in 2024 and just 7 in 2022. This surge signals a troubling rise in child involvement in criminal activities across the country.

Maria Franzén, a senior prosecutor at the Development Center of the Swedish Prosecution Authority, has attributed this increase directly to the growing engagement of minors in criminal offenses. Among the 68 cases reported so far in 2025, 43 concern serious charges such as murder, murder planning, or attempted murder, highlighting the severity of the situation.

However, Swedish law stipulates that children under 15 are not criminally liable. Instead, the courts employ a legal procedure known as a 'bevistalan,' allowing them to establish a child's guilt without imposing a formal penalty. This approach reflects the legal system's effort to balance accountability with the recognition of the minors' age and legal protections.

The rising prosecution figures underscore broader social and legal challenges and have raised concerns about the increasing criminal behavior among very young individuals. Prosecutor Franzén anticipates that this trend will likely continue, potentially leading to more cases brought before the courts in the near future.

This development calls for attention from policymakers, law enforcement, and society to address the root causes driving children towards serious offenses, while navigating the complexities of prosecuting minors in Sweden.