The agreement would not have been possible if Swedish and Estonian prison systems were not so similar to each other, Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (The Moderate Party) emphasizes after his visit to Tartu prison.
At the same time, questions such as supervision remain. Who, for example, is responsible for ensuring that the rule of law is followed when Swedish authorities exercise their powers abroad?
We are working on it now and will submit a legislative proposal this autumn. It is clear that it is an important issue, as there is a strong mutual interest in continuously exercising supervision, says Strömmer.
If a Swedish prisoner felt mistreated by the staff, should he then turn to Estonian authorities?
This is one of the questions we will return to in the autumn.
”Enorm pressure”
The plans have been criticized from several quarters. Civil Rights Defenders believe that prisoners risk being isolated even more from their context and representatives from Seko warn that this is a first step towards privatization of Swedish prisons.
I think the reaction was more mixed. I think many also see that this is happening against a background where we have an enormous high pressure in the Swedish prison system, says Strömmer.
But how will the right to furloughs and visits from relatives and lawyers be resolved?
The starting point is that it should work in the same way as in Sweden. It is an additional factor that it is in another country. But someone from Kiruna can sit in prison in Ystad, so we are not unfamiliar with that type of issue.
Regarding the language issue, Strömmer points out that the Estonian staff is already used to prisoners who speak languages other than Estonian. Moreover, there will be Swedish staff on site, he emphasizes.
Hopes for digitalization
He also believes that digitalization, where Estonia is at the forefront, can contribute to resolving issues related to prisoners' contact with the outside world and their education.
Do you mean that digital solutions can replace real meetings?
No, of course not entirely. But I think one can say that it will rather be able to add value.
To get the proposal through, a vote with a qualified majority in the Riksdag is required, and then the Social Democrats must also say yes. The Social Democrats have not made up their minds, but in recent days it became clear that representatives from the party plan to visit the prison in September.
I respect that all parties must have their process, says Strömmer.
