Sweden court convicts individuals for financial misconduct and other related offenses; sentencing involves incarceration in Tartu, Estonia.
Modern Tartu Prison to House Swedish Convicts
Swedish criminals convicted of economic crimes and passionate acts are set to be locked up in the Estonian city of Tartu. This news is shared by ERR.
Liiza Pakosta, the head of Estonia's Ministry of Justice, reveals that the agreement allows for non-radicalized, healthy adult men with long sentences to serve their time in Tartu. Stockholm will shell out 8.5 thousand euros per month per prisoner for upkeep, with site expenses ranging from 3.2 to 5.0 thousand.
Pakosta explains that Tartu's expensive, state-of-the-art prison complex is a waste to demolish considering the 12 million euros per year Estonia spends on maintaining its underutilized facilities (currently only 30% occupied). With room for up to 600 Swedish offenders, the property could potentially generate income and ease Sweden's prison overcrowding woes.
Pakosta adds that the influx of prisoners will create approximately 400 jobs in Tartu. Igor Taro, in turn, specifies that Tartu prison will exclusivelyhouse Swedish inmates moving forward.
Meanwhile, the U.K. aims to tackle labor shortages by utilizing tens of thousands of prisoners and former convicts as part of the "Make Britain Work" program. In regions experiencing skill shortages, retraining programs will be set up for incarcerated individuals. Upon release, London aims to encourage the hiring of ex-cons, even in sectors like hospitality.
Background
The decision to relocate Swedish prisoners to Tartu arises from Sweden's prison overcrowding problem, particularly caused by a spike in gang-related crimes[2]. The agreement targets accommodating up to 600 Swedish convicts in Tartu Prison, which currently boasts unused capacity[1][3].
Prisoner Profiles
The prisoners being transferred are categorized as healthy adult men serving lengthy sentences, including those guilty of white-collar crimes, passionate actions, and even rapists[1]. However, some sources suggest the prisoners will be low-risk[4][5] while others imply a wider variety of offenses.
Financial Arrangements
The financial deal sees Sweden paying Estonia €8,500 per prisoner per month, covering all costs, such as security services[1][2]. Compared to Sweden's €11,500 per month, this agreement benefits both countries: Estonia earns revenue without additional taxpayer burden, while Sweden resolves its prison overcrowding issue[1][4].
Operational and Legal Considerations
Estonian law applies to the prisoners, with care taken to ensure they receive similar treatment to what they would experience in Sweden, such as rights to occupational activities and access to interpreters[4]. The agreement also provides for Swedish prison staff to train Estonian guards[2]. Foreign prisoners will not be allowed release in Estonia and will be sent back to Sweden prior to the completion of their sentences[4].
In light of the agreement, general-news sources report a significant shift in Swedish convicts, particularly those serving lengthy sentences for economic crimes, passionate acts, and other offenses, being housed in the Tartu Prison in Estonia. This move is aimed at easing Sweden's prison overcrowding woes while generating income for Estonia, as politics and justice intertwine to address both countries' needs.
