Swedish Parliament Approves Controversial Secret Coercive Measures for Minors

The Swedish Riksdag has approved a highly controversial proposal allowing secret coercive measures to be used against children under the age of 15 involved in serious crimes. This decision was made on September 17, 2025, and marks a significant shift in the legal framework surrounding child welfare and criminal justice in Sweden.

The proposal was supported by the ruling coalition Tidöpartierna, which includes the Sweden Democrats, Moderates, Christian Democrats, and Liberals, highlighting a bipartisan initiative as it also received backing from the Social Democrats and Center Party. However, opposition arose primarily from the Left Party, while members of the Green Party largely abstained.

The legislation aims to curb the involvement of minors in serious criminal activities by granting law enforcement the authority to implement preventive coercive measures. Such measures will allow for children to be held for extended periods for questioning and facilitate their transfer to parents or social services. This aligns with government objectives to proactively tackle juvenile delinquency before it escalates.

The law is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025, with certain provisions being temporary, set to last three or five years. Proponents argue that these measures are necessary to protect society and deter crime, but opponents contend they undermine the rights of children and could lead to unjust treatment.