Swedish prisoners protest over over overcrowding and poor nutrition in Estonian prison

Swedish prisoners who were transferred to an Estonian prison due to a shortage of places in correctional institutions in their homeland reported poor conditions. In an open letter published in the Journal of the Penitentiary Service, they demanded conditions comparable to the Swedish penitentiary system.

The authors of the appeal are in Tartu prison. According to them, upon arrival it turned out that the institution did not prepare the necessary organization of daily life: the prisoners were not provided with a set schedule, a program of stay and day classes.

In addition, those transferred from Sweden had to do their own cleaning and help with the repair of certain premises.

Prisoners also expressed concern about the placement in cells. According to their appeal, up to ten people can be in one room at the same time.

Separate claims relate to food and beds. The authors of the letter are dissatisfied with both the quality and quantity of food, as well as the state of places to sleep.

Prisoners feel that conditions in the Estonian facility do not meet the standards they are used to in Sweden. They complained about the violation of their rights and demanded an explanation from the Swedish authorities, who approved the agreement on the placement of prisoners in Estonia.