The first couple of dozen Swedish prisoners will arrive in Tartu in mid‑August. The exact day will not be disclosed for security reasons, and the public will learn about it only once the prisoners are in their cells. Tartu Prison, which has undergone a refresh renovation, will offer access to Swedish TV channels, but the prisoners will be subject to the Estonian legal system. The rules were clarified in the cooperation memorandum signed on Wednesday.

"We are solving the issue of the Tartu prison standing empty — while being very modern at the same time. Secondly, it is very important for Estonia that we have trained personnel working in the field of internal security. We will train them further at the expense of Swedish taxpayers," said Minister of Justice Liisa Pakosta.

A Swedish prisoner cannot choose whether they serve their sentence in Estonia. But many have shown interest in the possibility.

"My impression is that it is adventurous. It is a historic thing, even for the prisoners," said Niklas Bellström, head of a unit at the Swedish Prison and Probation Service.

In Tartu, prisoners will have access to a gym and can play basketball and football. Swedish prisons generally do not offer such opportunities, but they will have to give up smoking and the popular Swedish snus. As a compromise, the prison's e‑shop will allow weaker nicotine pouches and patches.

"After long and very intense discussions, we finally agreed that nicotine pouches containing synthetic nicotine may be used in the prison. Prisoners will buy them themselves," Pakosta said.

The concession made for Swedes will be extended to Estonian prisoners by end of November at the latest. Cigarettes will remain banned. The biggest concern among Tartu residents is who will come to visit the Swedish prisoners. Each prisoner is guaranteed at least one one‑ to two‑hour visit per month and, once every six months, a longer visit lasting from 24 hours up to three days.

All visits take place on prison grounds, but friends cannot simply show up at the door. Every visitor must apply for permission, and the prison service will check their background. If a visitor may pose a security risk, permission will not be granted.

"In reality, visitors come to about every fifth prisoner, and usually it is a crying mother. We have a very modern prison where inmates have tablets and can hold video meetings," Pakosta said.

Estonia may choose which prisoners it accepts. Terrorists, leaders of organized crime, women and minors will not be taken. No Swedish prisoner will receive city leave, and before release they will be transferred back to Sweden. The average stay in Estonia will be nine months. By the end of the year, there may be 200 Swedish prisoners in Tartu, and next year up to 600.

"Tartu Prison has not caused any concerns for Tartu residents that would undermine their sense of security, and we intend to keep it that way," said Rait Kuuse, head of the prison service.

Isamaa leader Urmas Reinsalu has promised to terminate the prison‑rental agreement if he comes to power. It cannot be done overnight. Sweden must be notified a year in advance.

"In the event of terminating the agreement, we have 12 months to plan the implementation of that decision," Bellström said.

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