Feb 8 • 13:00 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia Postimees

STREET SURVEY: 'It is definitely a bit dangerous for society.' What do Tartu residents think about foreign prisoners?

Tartu residents express concerns about the potential dangers of housing foreign prisoners in local facilities, despite Belgium's interest in sending prisoners to Estonia.

A recent street survey conducted in Tartu reveals the local populace's apprehensions regarding the proposal for Belgium to send its prisoners to Estonian facilities. While Belgium has shown willingness to cooperate with Estonia on this matter, the Estonian government has not given a positive response to the request. This has sparked discussions among residents about the implications and consequences of such an arrangement.

Many Tartunians have voiced their skepticism, suggesting that the introduction of foreign prisoners could pose various risks to society. A respondent indicated that even if this move might generate income for institutions, there is a prevailing sentiment of discomfort among the public. These sentiments reflect deeper concerns about safety and community integrity, suggesting a significant local resistance to the idea of foreign prisoners being housed within their communities.

Despite the Estonian government's reluctance to accept foreign inmates from Belgium, these conversations highlight the ongoing challenges of prison reform and the societal perspectives on criminal justice. As discussions on international prisoner transfers continue, the opinions of local citizens like those in Tartu will likely play a crucial role in shaping future policies and attitudes toward such initiatives.

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