Estonia and Sweden signed an agreement on lease of prison against the background of overflow of the Swedish penitentiary system. This was announced by the Estonian information portal ERR.
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs of Estonia Liisa-Li Pacosta and Minister of Justice of Sweden Gunnar Stremmer on Wednesday, June 18, signed an intergovernmental agreement providing for the use of Tartusk prison in Estonia for the maintenance of Swedish prisoners.
The document will enter into force after its ratification by parliaments of both countries.
According to the five -year agreement, Sweden will be able to rent up to 400 cameras in a Tartu prison for placing up to 600 prisoners. Rent is considered as a temporary solution in the context of overloading the prison system of Sweden.
Pacosta noted that the agreement helps to preserve strategic prison infrastructure in South Estonia, ensure employment in the region and strengthen the country’s penitentiary service.
“Estonia and Sweden are connected by mutual trust, common values and understanding of human rights. This balanced agreement meets the interests of both countries and strengthens our partnership,” Pacosta said.
The Minister of Justice of Sweden, Stremmer, in turn, expressed appreciation for the agreement reached, emphasizing that the Estonian prison system “complies with high international standards.”
After signing, the document will be aimed at ratification in the parliaments of both countries. In Estonia, he will pass two readings to Riigikoga, after which he will be represented by the president for publication.
In accordance with the Agreement, the concluded will be selected jointly by the Estonian and Swedish security authorities. Persons who pose a high risk or a threat to security will not be delivered to Estonia. All convicts will be returned to Sweden at least a month before the end of the conclusion.
Prison safety will be ensured in cooperation with the Estonian structures of PPA and Kapo, and all expenses, including medical care, will be taken by the Swedish state.
Parties emphasize that the contract fully complies with European standards in the field of human rights.