In Estonia, MPs will vote to approve the transfer of Swedish prisoners to empty Estonian prisons. The first prisoners are expected in August. There will be 600 in all. This is the number of free places in Tartu prison. This would be a first in Estonia, which had already discussed the transfer of British prisoners without the project coming to fruition. Our correspondent in the region, Marielle Vitureau, was able to go to the prison of Tartu, in the south of the country, where their reception is being prepared.
From our special shipping to Tartu,
In the commercial area of Tartu, the gray concrete cubes are more reminiscent of a factory than a prison. This is where the Swedish inmates will come to serve their sentences, a few meters from tool stores. Inside, an entire wing will be reserved for them. HAS” We are going to repaint the hallway with a more relaxing color, purple is not the best. There are two places per cell. The Swedes will have television. The surface area is approximately 10 square meters and there are sanitary facilities “, details Merle Ulst, the brand new director, who makes the visit.
The idea of renting Estonian prisons to another state was born from the observation that they were empty. Fewer than 1,500 people are incarcerated in Estonia. 25 years ago, there were 5,000. A considerable drop linked to the introduction of alternative sentences, such as the electronic bracelet. MP Madis Timson, head of the commission Justice in Parliament, finds that renting is a good idea: “ We have three modern prisons in Estonia. It would make sense to close one because we don’t have enough prisoners. Keeping a building empty also costs money. If we rent the building, we can create 250 jobs. »
The Suède will pay 30 million euros per year to Estonia, plus 8,500 euros each month for each prisoner. The question is not too debated in the public space, but this unprecedented transfer still raises questions, recalls Anna Markina, professor of criminal law: “ Among the population, the greatest concern is that criminals from abroad arrive in our society. As a criminologist, I wonder how the socialization of these prisoners from Sweden will take place. »
MP Madis Timpson wants to be reassuring: “ Estonia will not receive minors, elderly people, women, leaders of criminal organizations, terrorists and extremists. » The detainees will come from all regions of Sweden. They will be supervised by Estonians who will speak English with them. They will have certain advantages over Estonian prisoners.
« I hope they won’t be totally against the idea of coming, because otherwise it will cause problems. Our Swedish colleagues told us that they will be able to use laptops, it’s better than in Sweden “, explains Merle Ulst, the director. The Swedish Parliament has already ratified the agreement. The Estonians will do it in a few days. It will be in effect for five years, with the possibility of extending.
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