Background & Purpose

There is a strong political push in Sweden to shift the focus from offenders to crime victims and societal protection, leading to tougher penalties and stricter controls.

The Decision

The Swedish parliament approved the government's proposal for stricter rules regarding early prison release.

Does this affect you?

  • Inmates in Swedish prisons: Must serve a larger portion of their sentences and face stricter requirements to avoid postponed release.
  • Crime victims in Sweden: Benefit from a system that places higher emphasis on societal protection and longer actual time behind bars for offenders.
  • Swedish prison authorities: Must adapt to lower thresholds for postponing releases due to misbehavior and handle longer mandatory supervision periods.

In Practice

  • A larger portion of the prison sentence must generally be served before release becomes possible.
  • It becomes much easier to delay release if an inmate misbehaves while in prison.
  • Release can be postponed if there is a risk that the person will commit serious crimes again.
  • The probationary period after release is extended to at least two years with mandatory supervision.
  • Reoffending during the probation period results in forfeiting the entire remaining freedom.