STOCKHOLM – Sweden’s government said on Dec 18 it wanted to give the police powers to secretly monitor phone calls and electronic communications of those under 15 years of age, in response to a surge in gang violence in the Nordic country.
Sweden has seen a rise in recent years in gang shootings and bombings linked to score-settling between rival groups and struggles to control the illicit drug market.
Perpetrators are often young teens, hired as contract killers because they are under the age of criminal responsibility, which is 15.
“Today, these networks recruit 10- and 11-year-olds,” Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer told a press conference announcing the results of a government probe into the use of surveillance on children.
“Weapons and explosives are handled by 12- and 13-year-olds. Shootings and other serious violent crimes are often carried out by 14- and 15-year-olds,” Mr Strommer added.
Current legislation outlining how police handle young offenders does not include secret surveillance.
Ms Gunnel Lindberg, who led the probe, said they proposed that the law would be changed so that police would be able to monitor phone calls and electronic communications of those under the age of criminal responsibility.
Ms Lindberg added, however, that there should be “a higher degree of suspicion than what is required for adults.”
She explained that the investigation would need to concern a crime that could carry a sentence of at least four years in prison or a terrorist offence.
In cases with suspects over the age of 15, the requirement is a crime punishable of at least two years.
Mr Strommer said the proposal would be sent out for review among experts and concerned authorities.
Ms Lindberg said they proposed that the changes should come into effect in July 2026.
In 2023, the country registered 53 deaths in 363 shootings, which have increasingly occurred in public places and have at times claiming innocent victims, such as passers-by. AFP
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Publish date : 2024-12-18 08:13:00
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