Public aid for jailed Swedish youth in Denmark

Many young Swedes detained in Denmark on suspicion of violent crimes have received community assistance in Sweden, a report from Swedish Radio’s Ekot based on a study of 15 youths reveals. Ten of these individuals are under 20 and are entitled to aid under Swedish law that provides care and help for the youth. However, despite half receiving such aid, they were apparently recruited to commit crimes across the border. Manne Gerell, a criminology associate professor at Malmö University, said the situation reflects a societal failure. The Swedish law aims to support youth at risk of harm or criminal involvement, highlighting the challenges in deterring established criminal behavior. Some of the detained young Swedes are facing serious accusations in Denmark, including attempted murder for incidents such as a shooting at a jewelry store and attacks on a biker gang’s clubhouses.