Authorities in Sweden are preparing to incarcerate children as young as 13, as part of a controversial juvenile justice reform expected to take effect in July. At the Rosersberg Prison, north of Stockholm, officials are adapting facilities to accommodate younger detainees. The proposed law would lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13.
The reform aims to curb a rise in children being recruited by criminal networks to carry out violent acts, often exploiting their current immunity from prison sentences.
Until now, minors convicted of serious crimes were placed in secure youth care homes, known as SiS homes, which have faced criticism for allegedly becoming breeding grounds for gang recruitment.
Indeed, the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) varies around the world, but how young is too young? There have been horrific crimes committed by children, but punishment is not the same in every country, and it largely depends on age.
In this gallery, you’ll get to know some of the places where children under 14 can be put behind bars. Click on to discover them.