Swedish criminals transferred to Tartu Prison have complained to Swedish media – via their relatives – about conditions at the facility, specifically citing the soup served for dinner and the fact that food is presented in metal bowls, reports ERR News.
The Swedish prisoners, who were moved to Tartu under a bilateral agreement on the leasing of prison space concluded this summer, have complained about unfamiliar food and stricter security regulations. They claim the food is served in metal bowls resembling dog bowls; the menu is repetitive—consisting mainly of soups and stews—and they have lost weight. They also find the armed escorts, caged transport vehicles, and nighttime inspections bothersome. The prisoners have voiced these complaints to their relatives because journalists are not permitted to meet with them.
Niklas Bellström, a representative of the Swedish prison system, stated that differences in the food were anticipated; Estonian prison staff had visited Swedish prison kitchens and obtained the menus.
Sweden also discussed potential exceptions to certain Estonian prison security procedures,
including the practice of turning on the lights in cells every hour during the night. Some of the Swedish prisoners feel that their good behavior has been punished by their transfer to Tartu. Due to security concerns, Estonia rejected many of the criminals initially proposed, forcing Sweden to alter its selection criteria.
The first Swedish prisoners arrived in Estonia on the 18th of August. The intergovernmental agreement stipulates that up to 200 prisoners will be transferred to Estonia by the end of this year, with another 600 arriving in 2027. Sweden covers all costs.
Read also: Estonia, Sweden sign agreement to lease Estonian prisons