Statements or reports from major international human rights organizations

Sweden Proposes Police Monitoring of Under-15s' Communications to Combat Gang Violence, Effective July 2026

Dec 20, 2024, 02:10 AM

The Swedish government has proposed legislation that would allow police to secretly monitor the phone calls and electronic communications of children under the age of 15 in response to a surge in gang violence. The country has seen an increase in shootings and bombings linked to disputes between criminal groups vying for control of the drug trade. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer highlighted that criminal networks are now recruiting children as young as 10 and 11 years old, with 12 and 13-year-olds handling weapons and explosives, and 14 and 15-year-olds often committing serious violent crimes. The proposed law change would require a higher degree of suspicion than that required for adults, and would be applicable in investigations concerning crimes that carry a sentence of at least four years in prison or terrorist offenses. The proposal is set to be reviewed by experts and relevant authorities, with the changes proposed to take effect in July 2026.