Swedish inmates at Estonia's Tartu Prison voice concerns over transfer and conditions
An unannounced visit by advisers to the chancellor of justice found Swedish prisoners in Tartu Prison dissatisfied with their transfer and living conditions.
During an unannounced inspection on August 27, advisers to the chancellor of justice visited Tartu Prison and interviewed eight of the fifteen Swedish detainees. The inmates said they were given only a short notice of their relocation, were not allowed to meaningfully object, and felt the transfer served a political narrative rather than rehabilitation. They highlighted practical problems such as insufficient information in Swedish, language difficulties with staff, costly phone calls, lack of video calls, and cell features like side-by-side TVs and unguarded upper bunks.
Some also raised concerns about privacy in shared showers and limited access to religious support. The report warned that rising numbers of Swedish transfers could exacerbate tensions unless Sweden and Estonia cooperate to resolve the issues.
