Swedish inmates say transfer to Estonia undermined rehabilitation

Swedish prisoners transferred to Estonia say the move has erased their motivation to lead law-abiding lives, according to an inspection report cited by ERR. They view the transfer as a second punishment, and their dissatisfaction could cause wider problems at Tartu Prison, particularly if more prisoners are transferred from Sweden.

Advisers to Estonia’s Chancellor of Justice, who regularly inspect detention facilities and conditions, made an unannounced visit to Tartu Prison on August 27. At the time, 15 Swedish prisoners were held there. The advisers spoke with eight prisoners and prison officials, inspected the facilities and reviewed selected documents.

The prisoners said they were not restrained during the journey to Estonia and could eat, drink and use the toilet. On arrival, they agreed to medical examinations and said they were satisfied that they received necessary medication quickly.

Most of the prisoners interviewed said they had not agreed to the transfer. They said they were told about it only a short time in advance, in some cases around two weeks and in others just a few days. Although they could object, they considered the responses they received vague and brief. They said they had not been given a real opportunity to defend their position and that their personal circumstances were not taken into account.

The prisoners said they had behaved well and were motivated in Swedish prisons. They believe the transfer was not intended to support their return to society, but to present the prison lease as a success story.

All those interviewed said they had learned about conditions in Estonia mainly from an information leaflet provided in Sweden. They said that information differed considerably from the conditions they encountered. Some said they had been told that they would continue serving their sentences under Swedish law and would have benefits at least equal to those in Swedish prisons. They said this had not proved to be the case.

The prisoners also said they were unclear about what matters they could raise, whom they should contact and how to submit requests or complaints at Tartu Prison. The Chancellor of Justice said it could not verify what information had been given to them in Sweden, but that the prisoners had similar impressions of it.

According to information gathered during the inspection, the prisoners had not received enough information before their transfer about Tartu Prison’s conditions and rules. The advisers also noted that a language barrier made it difficult for the prisoners to understand information and communicate with prison staff. Those interviewed had some knowledge of English.