Estonia and Sweden set rules for Swedish prisoners in Tartu

Estonia and Sweden have agreed on the rules governing Swedish prisoners at Tartu Prison, ERR reported. The first group of several dozen prisoners is expected to arrive in mid-August, while a memorandum signed on Wednesday regulates issues including clothing, access to television and electricity, and the use of nicotine products.

The exact arrival date will not be disclosed for security reasons. The public will learn that the prisoners have arrived only after they are in their cells.

The renovated Tartu Prison will provide access to Swedish television channels, but the prisoners will remain subject to Estonia’s legal system. The memorandum sets out the details of the arrangement.

“We are solving the issue of the empty but very modern Tartu Prison. It is also very important for Estonia that we have trained personnel working in the field of internal security. We are significantly expanding that training using Swedish taxpayers’ money,” Justice and Digital Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta said.

Swedish prisoners cannot choose whether to serve their sentences in Estonia, although many have shown interest in the possibility. “It seems adventurous to me. It is a historic thing, even for prisoners,” said Nikolas Bellström, a Swedish Prison and Probation Service unit manager.

In Tartu, prisoners will have access to a gym and be able to play basketball and football. Such opportunities are generally unavailable in Swedish prisons. However, smoking and snus, a popular Swedish oral nicotine product, will be prohibited. As a compromise, the prison’s online shop will offer weaker nicotine pouches and patches.

“After long and very tense discussions, we finally agreed that nicotine pouches containing synthetic nicotine may be used in prison. The prisoners will buy them themselves,” Pakosta said.

The concession made for Swedish prisoners will be extended to Estonian prisoners by St Martin’s Day at the latest. Cigarettes will remain prohibited.

Visitors have been a greater concern for Tartu residents. Prisoners are guaranteed at least one or two hours of meetings each month, as well as a longer meeting every six months lasting from 24 hours to three days. All meetings will take place on prison grounds, and visitors cannot simply arrive at the entrance. Each visitor must apply for permission, and the Prison and Probation Service will conduct a background check. Permission will be denied if a visitor could pose a security threat.

“In reality, about one in five prisoners receives visitors, including a crying mother. We have a very modern prison where inmates have tablets that allow them to hold video meetings,” Pakosta said.

Estonia may select which prisoners it accepts. Terrorists, organised crime leaders, women and minors will not be admitted. No Swedish prisoner will receive permission to leave the prison, and prisoners will be returned to Sweden before their release.

They will stay in Estonia for an average of nine months. By the end of the year, up to 200 Swedish prisoners could be held in Tartu, rising to as many as 600 next year.

“Tartu Prison has not caused Tartu residents any concern that would undermine their sense of security, and we intend to keep it that way,” said Rait Kuuse, head of the Prison and Probation Service.

Isamaa leader Urmas Reinsalu has promised to terminate the prison lease agreement if his party comes to power. The agreement cannot be ended overnight, however, as Sweden must be given one year’s notice.

“If the agreement is terminated, we will have 12 months to plan the implementation of that decision,” Bellström said.