First Swedish prisoners arrive in Estonia for transfer to Tartu prison

ERR reported that a plane carrying the first Swedish prisoners landed at Ämari air base on Tuesday. They were due to be transferred to Tartu Prison during the day.

The Prison Service declined to confirm the prisoners’ arrival or disclose their number at around 1 p.m., referring questions to an upcoming press release. Several sources told ERR that the prisoners had arrived by plane after noon and were travelling to Tartu. ERR reported that fewer than 10 prisoners were on board.

A total of 600 Swedish prisoners are expected to arrive in Tartu over the course of a year, including 200 this year. Sweden will cover the costs, paying Estonia between 31 million and 61 million euros annually, depending on the number of prisoners.

The Swedish prisoners will serve their sentences within the closed grounds of Tartu Prison and will not be granted permission to enter the city. They will be returned to Sweden before their release.

Under the agreement, the rented prison will operate according to Tartu Prison’s rules. However, the Swedish prisoners will wear Swedish prison uniforms and have access to Swedish information channels. They will also have televisions in their cells and be allowed to use electricity at night.

Tartu Prison will remain tobacco-free. Cigarettes and other tobacco products are prohibited, but Swedish prisoners will be able to buy tobacco-free nicotine pouches and nicotine patches from the prison’s online shop.