Sweden intends to rent out hundreds of cells in Estonian prisons
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In a bid to tackle escalating crime rates, particularly those linked to gangs, the Swedish government is gearing up to sign an agreement with Estonia. The deal, set to be inked in mid-June at a press conference in Stockholm, involves renting prison space in the Estonian city of Tartu.
The plan calls for Sweden to rent 400 cells in Tartu, accommodating up to 600 inmates, primarily low-risk convicts. According to Henrik Vinge, chairman of the parliamentary justice committee and a Sweden Democrats member, this may include offenders convicted of crimes such as murder, sexual offenses, and economic crimes. However, high-risk individuals, including those involved in terrorism or serious organized crime, will not be transferred to Estonia.
This move comes as a consequence of Sweden's long-lasting struggle with gang-related crimes, leading to a shortage of prison spaces within the country. The deal is expected to save Sweden approximately €3,000 per inmate monthly compared to the domestic cost of €11,500 per prisoner.
The agreement, which must be approved by the Swedish parliament with a three-quarters majority before an implemented July 1, 2026, is anticipated to provide a significant economic boost to Estonia, creating or securing hundreds of jobs and providing a solution for Estonia's underutilized prison facilities. Additionally, foreign prisoners will not be released in Estonia and Sweden will cover all maintenance costs.
Sources: ntv.de, DPA
Sweden will not dispatch high-risk offenders to Estonia, including those involved in terrorism or serious organized crime, keeping convicted gang members primarily in domestic prisons while freeing up space by transferring other criminals.
The agreement, if approved by the Swedish parliament, could create or secure hundreds of jobs in Estonia, making a positive impact on the local economy.
The deal, which allows for up to 600 low-risk inmates to be housed in Tartu Prison, offers a potential solution for Sweden's prison overcrowding issue and Estonia's underutilized prison facilities.
In light of the parliamentary justice committee's plans, Sweden is expected to implement a new policy in its 'employment policy', allocating funds for the rental of prison space in Estonia. This decision, made in response to escalating crime rates and prison overcrowding, elevates the 'policy-and-legislation' sphere, revealing a possible trend in 'politics' regarding crime and justice. Meanwhile, the general news outlets cover the agreement's potential economic benefits for Estonia, such as job creation, further underlining the connection of 'crime-and-justice' to 'economic' matters and the role of 'community policy' in facilitating such arrangements.
