Ministry of Justice: Up to 600 Swedish prisoners will not affect Estonia's demographics
Estonia's Ministry of Justice and Digital Technologies assures that housing up to 600 Swedish inmates in Tartu Prison will pose no demographic threat and will not increase organized crime risks.
Estonian Minister of Justice Liisa-Li Pakosta (Eesti 200) has responded to a written inquiry from MP Aleksandr Tšaplõgin (Centre Party), who raised concerns about the government's initiative to accommodate Swedish convicts in Estonia. The minister stated that the cooperation with Sweden is temporary and concerns only the execution of sentences.
The convicts will be held in the closed section of Tartu Prison and will be returned to Sweden before release. Therefore, their stay in Estonia is not considered immigration and will not affect the demographic situation. The ministry also ruled out the possibility that released inmates could remain in Estonia or that their relatives would gain additional rights to enter and reside in the country. Their legal status will be assessed on general terms, as with other foreign nationals.
On security matters, the agreement with Sweden imposes strict restrictions on which individuals can be transferred to Estonia. Tartu will not receive convicts for terrorism or crimes against the state, leaders and members of organized criminal groups, persons deemed especially dangerous by Swedish authorities, seriously ill inmates, and those requiring inpatient psychiatric treatment. Additionally, Estonian citizens and residents, as well as persons wanted or declared persona non grata in Estonia, will not be transferred.
Each transfer request will be reviewed individually. Estonian and Swedish authorities will exchange detailed information on each convict's health and potential risks. If new security threats emerge during imprisonment, the agreement allows for the immediate return of the inmate to Sweden.
Although the agreement does not mandate regular reporting to parliament, Pakosta expressed readiness to provide the Riigikogu with information on the project's implementation as needed.
