Swedish prisoners to be housed in Estonia without stun guns

Estonia is preparing to house up to 600 inmates from Sweden in its Tartu prison, a move aimed at alleviating overcrowding in the Swedish penal system. The first group of Swedish prisoners is expected to arrive in August, marking a significant, albeit temporary, shift in the facility's operations.

Guards at the Tartu prison will not carry stun guns when working with the Swedish inmates, a departure from standard practice with Estonian prisoners. This, along with other adjustments, aims to create a more familiar environment for the transferred individuals. Toilets, bunk beds, and wall-mounted tables are being installed in cells, which will largely be shared. Each cell will also be equipped with two flat-screen televisions, radios, and lockable storage. "For Estonian inmates, we have nightlights in the cells, but we will not have those for the Swedish ones," said Konstantin Nikiforov, a project manager at the prison.

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We will not compromise security at any point, and should it be necessary, we have the resources required.

The agreement stipulates that transferred inmates must not be involved in gang activities, have a history of misconduct, or pose significant security risks. The Tartu facility, Estonia's oldest prison, has been largely emptied of its Estonian inmates to accommodate the Swedish population. "We will not compromise security at any point, and should it be necessary, we have the resources required," Nikiforov assured.

Adaptations are being made to make the inmates' time in Estonia more comfortable, including the availability of white snus in the prison kiosk. Unlike Estonian inmates, Swedish prisoners will not pay for electricity and can make phone calls to Sweden at domestic rates. The facility also offers overnight accommodation for visiting family members. Prison officials emphasize that while they aim to make the inmates' stay bearable, adherence to rules is mandatory. The Tartu prison has a total capacity of 933, with room to potentially house more than the 600 Swedish inmates.

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For Estonian inmates, we have nightlights in the cells, but we will not have those for the Swedish ones.