Media: Estonia opens prison doors to first Swedish inmates

The first four Swedish inmates arrived at Tartu Prison in Estonia on August 18 under an agreement allowing Sweden to rent prison capacity in the Baltic country, ERR reports.

“All the inmates who arrived are male Swedish citizens,” Estonia’s Justice Minister Liisa Pakosta said.

The prisoners arrived in Estonia on August 18 aboard a charter flight to Ämari Air Base before being transferred to Tartu Prison under armed escort. They underwent intake procedures and were placed in a designated living unit.

Tartu Prison Director Merle Ulst said the arrival marked an important milestone following more than a year of preparations.

“We have been preparing for this day for over a year — training staff, practicing procedures, and working closely with our Swedish colleagues. Today's reception went safely and as planned; we have begun the practical part of the project according to the same high standards on which the Estonian prison system relies every day. Now begins the next stage for us: daily work with the Swedish inmates,” Ulst said.

Estonia will individually assess every Swedish prisoner before approving their transfer. According to Prison Service Director Rait Kuuse, more than half of the candidates initially proposed for the first group were rejected.

“Each inmate is assessed individually, and Estonia makes the final decision on whether to accept them. If we do not have enough information about a person or doubts arise about their suitability, we do not give consent,” Kuuse said.

Under the agreement, organized-crime members, terrorists, radicalized inmates, women and minors are among those excluded from transfer. Tartu Prison will remain under Estonian management, with Swedish authorities supporting coordination and information exchange.

Up to 100 Swedish inmates are expected by the end of September and as many as 200 by year-end, with a maximum of 600 eventually allowed under the agreement.

Estonia and Sweden signed the prison-rental deal in 2025 to utilize Tartu Prison’s available capacity while maintaining jobs and expertise in Estonia’s prison system. Sweden will cover all costs associated with housing its inmates in Estonia.

By Vafa Guliyeva