On Wednesday, June 18, Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta and Minister of Justice of the Kingdom of Sweden Gunnar Strömmer signed a prison lease agreement between the two countries. The implementation of the agreement ensures the continued operation of Tartu Prison as strategic infrastructure along with jobs. The agreement will enter into force after its ratification by the parliaments of both countries.
The prison rental agreement, concluded for five years, allows Sweden to use Estonia's prison infrastructure as a temporary solution in a situation where the Swedish prison system is under pressure from overcrowding. The agreement provides Sweden with 400 cells for up to 600 inmates.
The agreement ensures the sustainable use of important strategic infrastructure for Estonia, preserves regional employment, and creates new jobs. This will increase the number of professionals ensuring internal security in Southern Estonia.
According to Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta, the signed agreement is an important step in the trusted cooperation between the two countries: "Estonia and Sweden share a similar understanding of the rule of law and human rights. We have common values and mutual trust. The agreement was achieved through constructive cooperation and helps both countries achieve their goals. Sweden receives a safe solution for the coming years. In Estonia, we preserve strategic prison infrastructure, ensure employment, and enhance the professional capacity of our prison service. This is a balanced agreement that serves the interests of both countries and further strengthens our partnership," said Pakosta.
Swedish Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer noted that the signed agreement will significantly ease the burden on the Swedish prison system: “We are very pleased to be cooperating specifically with Estonia – a country that is very close to Sweden and whose prison service is of a high standard and internationally respected,” said Strömmer.
After signing, the agreement will move to the parliaments of both countries for ratification. In the Riigikogu, two readings are required. The document will then be submitted to the President of the Republic for promulgation.
According to the agreement, the inmates to be brought to Tartu Prison will be selected in cooperation with the security authorities of Estonia and Sweden. Persons with a high risk level or those unsuitable due to a security threat will not be brought to Estonia. Foreign prisoners will not be granted city leave, and no prisoner will be released in Estonia but will be returned to Sweden at least one month before the end of the sentence. Possible security risks related to the prison rental have been mapped in cooperation with the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) and the Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO), and their mitigation will take place in close cooperation with Swedish security authorities throughout the term of the agreement.
All maintenance costs related to foreign prisoners (including healthcare) will be covered by the Swedish state.
The agreement between Estonia and Sweden complies with the European human rights framework.
NB! On Thursday, June 19, journalists will have the opportunity to meet with Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta and Swedish Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer in Tallinn.
The press briefing will take place in the press room "Saar" of the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs (Suur-Ameerika 1, Tallinn), starting at 13:30. Questions may be asked on-site, and interviews can also be conducted.
Please confirm participation no later than June 19 at 11:00, at the address [email protected]. When arriving, please bring a valid ID for registration at the building's lobby.
