Mohamed, a 19-year-old with a history of crime, time in Danish prisons, and a stay in a specialized educational center in Sweden, once dreamed of a future where he could afford a trip to Mecca for his parents and provide his future children with a debt-free weekend at Disneyland. His life took a different turn when he became involved in gun-related and drug-trafficking activities. His exit from this world is largely credited to Malmö's initiative called "Sluta Skjut," or "Stop the Shootings," also known as the "Gang Violence Intervention Project," launched in 2018. This initiative is now a permanent strategy that brings together police, social services, prison and probation authorities, and civil society to address gang-related violence. The message is clear: "We do not want you to die, we do not want you to kill someone, and we will do everything to prevent this from happening. We offer help to get you out of organized crime." Malmö, the third-largest city in Sweden, is known for its diversity, with residents from 187 different nationalities among its 380,000 people. However, in the second half of the 2010s, the city faced a wave of violent crime. In 2018 alone, there were 47 shootings, 12 of which were fatal. The city became a frequent topic in international media due to the violence linked to organized crime. Deputy Chief of Police Tomas Rosenberg explained that the city was trapped in a cycle where traditional law enforcement approaches were not working. The police realized they needed long-term, more comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of crime. In recent years, Sweden's political landscape has shifted in its approach to youth involved in criminal networks. Previously, the right-wing government had lowered the age of criminal responsibility to 14, with plans to bring it down further. However, in recent elections held on September 13, the left-wing alliance narrowly won, despite internal tensions. Regardless, the "Sluta Skjut" project has continued, as it was launched under a left-wing government and has not faced political challenges. Other cities, such as Gothenburg and Örebro, have followed suit with similar strategies. According to Rebeca Persson, a social worker, and Anna Kosztovics, who coordinates civil society relations for the project, the number of shootings and deaths linked to gang violence in Malmö has significantly decreased. This year, like last, the city recorded only one death from such violence. While it's hard to attribute this decline directly to the project, all involved believe it has had a positive impact. Jonas Angermund, a coordinator for the prison and probation service, highlights the most significant achievement as the creation of a collaborative relationship between different government agencies, built on trust and shared goals. The initiative includes "call in" meetings where gang members are invited to neutral locations, such as a football stadium, to discuss the consequences of their actions and receive help to leave organized crime. During these meetings, participants are shown the impact of violence on the community and are offered support ranging from housing and education to full assistance in starting a new life elsewhere. Mohamed, for example, met with Abdirisak, a leader at the Afro Swedes association, who helped him secure summer work as an activity leader for other young people. Critics have raised concerns about the approach, particularly the informal interactions with gang members, such as sharing pizza. Anna Kosztovics argues that these interactions are crucial for effective communication and change. Tomas Rosenberg, deputy chief of police, emphasizes that it's the role of the police to show gang members an exit from crime and that helping individuals leave organized crime is a natural part of a democracy. He also notes that supporting such individuals is financially beneficial for society, as repression is costly. The "Sluta Skjut" strategy has shown promise and could be replicated in other cities and countries. However, its success depends on genuine commitment from authorities. In Sweden, political support for the strategy is expected to continue, especially if the left-wing coalition returns to power. However, societal challenges remain, including the rise of the far right and racism. Despite this, recent elections saw a decline in far-right support, and the Social Democrats have taken the lead in local elections. This means that social policies like summer jobs and youth activities will continue. Mohamed, Abdirisak, and Anna share a smile, expressing pride in their city.