The Chancellor of Justice's advisers visited Tartu prison. They observed how life is conducted there. There were 15 Swedish prisoners in the prison. The advisers spoke with eight prisoners and inspected the facilities.
The prisoners said that their transfer to Estonia was fair. They received food, drink, and access to toilets. A doctor checked their health, and they received medication.
Most prisoners did not want to come to Estonia. They were given little notice – some two weeks, others a few days. The prisoners said they were not well consulted.
The prisoners said they were doing well in Sweden. They believed that their transfer to Estonia would not help them. They feel that this is an additional punishment. They fear that an dissatisfied prisoner will cause problems.
The prisoners received information about Estonian prisons from the Swedish prison. This information was not accurate. For example, they were told Tartu prison was better. The prisoners said this was untrue.
The prisoners do not understand well how to file complaints. Language barriers make communication difficult. They speak English, but not all staff members are proficient.
One prisoner said he was treated poorly. He believed it was due to his skin color. The staff said it was about security stickers.
The prisoners said it is difficult to communicate with family. Calls from Estonia are expensive. Video calls are not possible. Family cannot come to Estonia because it is costly.
One young prisoner said he is close to his mother and sisters. Now he cannot meet them. Another prisoner said he has a child in Sweden. He cannot see his child.
The prisoners said there are two TVs side by side in their rooms. This disturbs them. In Sweden, the TVs are on separate walls. They use headphones, but it is uncomfortable.
Some prisoners were afraid to sleep in the upper bunk. It has no guardrail. They were afraid of falling. They were given the lower bunk.
The prisoners said there is no privacy in the shower room. There are three showers close together. There are no walls between the showers. They shower one at a time.
Some prisoners are Muslim. They have not had the opportunity to pray together. Prison staff said they are trying to arrange this.
Estonia and Sweden need to cooperate to resolve these issues.