Youths convicted of contribution to violence towards a 13-year-old

Two youths were convicted of committing acts of violence and coercion, or for complicity in such acts, when they were 15 years old. The case was dismissed for two other individuals involved, both of whom were below the age of criminal responsibility. The aggrieved party was a 13-year-old boy, who was subjected to repeated punches and kicks. He was also restrained and forced to kiss one of the perpetrators’ shoes. The incidents were filmed and posted on an “exposed” account on Snapchat.

The question before the Supreme Court was whether a third youth could be convicted of complicity in the violence and coercion. The defendant had neither committed violence nor coercion, nor had he filmed the incidents.

The Supreme Court, in line with the lower courts, concluded that the conditions for complicity were met. The defendant had helped lure the aggrieved party to the schoolyard where the incidents took place. There, he initially hid together with several others. When the aggrieved party arrived, he acted as part of the group that surrounded him while the violence and coercion were carried out. The Supreme Court held that by participating in the lead-up and being present during the incidents, the defendant contributed by reinforcing the perpetrators’ intent.

The judgment provides guidance on the limits of psychological complicity where several individuals commit crimes together.

Read the judgment from the Supreme Court (Norwegian only) (PDF)

Area of law: Criminal law. Contribution. Section 15 of the Penal Code. 

Key paragraphs: 37, 39–40   

Justices: Bergsjø, Bergh, Steinsvik, Stenvik, Vang