Sweden Moves to Transfer Prisoners to Estonian Facility Amid Overcrowding Crisis
Sweden plans to transfer prisoners to Estonia to address overcrowding in its penal system.
- • Sweden plans to transfer inmates to Tartu prison in Estonia due to overcrowding.
- • The transfer agreement allows for up to 600 inmates to be housed in Estonia.
- • Estonia offers lower housing costs and emphasizes rehabilitation in its prison system.
- • Social Democrats support the plan after concerns over outsourcing were addressed.
Key details
The Swedish government is advancing a controversial plan to transfer hundreds of prisoners to a modern prison facility in Tartu, Estonia, as a strategic response to escalating overcrowding in its penal system. The proposal, spearheaded by Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer, comes as Sweden grapples with increased incarceration rates due to stringent measures against serious crime, resulting in severe strain on domestic prison capacity.
Following a recent visit to Tartu prison, which emphasizes rehabilitation and modern correctional methods, Strömmer expressed confidence in Estonia's ability to manage the intake of Swedish inmates. The facility, completed in 2002, offers conditions similar to those found in Swedish prisons, such as Kumla and Skänninge, including basic accommodations with ten square meters of space per inmate and a commitment to upholding behavioral standards. Strömmer noted, "We share views on human rights and the rule of law with Estonia."
The arrangement allows Sweden to rent up to 600 prison berths, with costs estimated at €8,500 per inmate per month, significantly lower than the €11,500 it costs to house an inmate domestically. This cost difference arises from Estonia's shift away from outdated Soviet practices, favoring contemporary, rehabilitative approaches. However, the deal requires a qualified parliamentary majority for implementation, a challenge given the Social Democrats' (SDP) initial resistance.
Initially critical of outsourcing corrections, the Social Democrats have now shifted their stance, supporting the government's plan after evaluating the Tartu facility. Teresa Carvalho, a spokesperson for the SDP, acknowledged the necessity of the plan due to current capacity issues while maintaining concerns over reliance on foreign prison spaces. She previously advocated for increased domestic construction and staffing in Swedish prisons to mitigate overcrowding.
If approved, the first cohorts of Swedish inmates are expected to be relocated by summer 2026, marking a significant development in Sweden's approach to its criminal justice system, amid ongoing concerns over inmate safety and integration.