Published: Less than 2 hours ago
Two children under the age of 15 are in the spotlight for a suspected murder attempt in Skellefteå. One as a victim of crime, the other as a perpetrator.
But what really happens when such a young child commits a serious crime?
A seriously injured girl, under 15 years old, was found on Thursday in a forest area in the district Morö Backe in Skellefteå. The police classified the case as attempted murder and the suspect is a minor boy – also under 15 years.
The police emphasize that the course of events is still unclear, even though the picture has begun to become clear. According to the chamber prosecutor, the boy has made certain concessions. The girl is still at Norrland University Hospital and has not been able to be questioned.
Unusual with serious crimes
The police have also announced that they will be extremely sparing about the details of the case.
– The fact that we have a criminal classification of attempted murder and that it is children who are involved is rare for us, says Lars Persson, acting local police area manager, to Expressen.
Amanda Lublin is a doctoral student at Stockholm University and researches the criminal process for children younger than 15. She says that it is rare for children to commit serious crimes as attempted murder.
– At the same time, it can be said that children and young people are the most criminal group. Challenging society’s norms is part of growing up, says Lublin.
Other penalties
In Sweden, the age of criminal responsibility is 15 years. If a younger child is suspected of a crime, social authorities are mainly responsible for investigating the possible criminal act, says Lublin.
– But when it comes to more serious crime, there is a presumption rule that says that the police and prosecutors investigate. The investigation procedure is similar to a preliminary investigation.
Children under the age of 15 can also not be detained or detained. Lublin says, however, that it is common for children to be handed over to social authorities during the investigation.
Even if children cannot receive a criminal sanction, they can still commit crimes within the meaning of the law, says Lublin. The question of guilt can be tried in court, which is called the presentation of evidence. Social authorities can then decide on intervention measures for the child.
– They can be forcibly taken into care and need to move away from their family. There are also intrusive measures for the child, even if they are not criminal.
However, it is exceptionally unusual for the debt issue to be tried in court. It has only happened a handful of times since the 1960s, according to Lublin.
Can go bad
However, the government has submitted a bill that will make it easier to try non-criminal children in court. There are both pros and cons to it, says Lublin.
– All people have the right to be considered innocent until the matter has been tried in court. If you bring an action for evidence, the children are entitled to a trial, which is an advantage. If you do not do that, it is usually the police and prosecutors who come to the conclusion of what has happened, says Lublin and continues:
– The disadvantage is that children are sensitive and can be harmed by this type of process.
In addition, the matter becomes even more problematic if the victim is also under 15 years old, as in Skellefteå. Then both parties belong to a protected group. Lublin emphasizes that the possibility for the victim to be rehabilitated is greatest through judicial review.
– The reason for raising the evidence is that there is a great public interest both to clarify what has happened and for the child to receive the right measures from the social services.
Facts
This means the evidence
Children under the age of 15 who commit crimes cannot be sentenced to punishment.
On the other hand, a court can try the question of guilt through a so-called action for evidence when it comes to very serious crimes such as murder or aggravated rape.
In the presentation of evidence, the court decides whether the child has committed the crime or not, but no sanction is imposed.
An appeal may only be made if it is requested by the social welfare board, the National Board of Health and Welfare or the child’s guardian.
If a request for evidence is requested, the prosecutor may bring such if it is required from a general point of view.
Source: The Public Prosecutor’s Office
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