Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Request for Information Regarding Prison Space Rental (no. 645)
2024-10-21
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on the administration of the prison system and its legal regimes. The speaker is critical of cost-saving measures (such as double-celling), arguing that they jeopardize rehabilitation and security, citing a recent murder as an example. Furthermore, the state's economic policy decision to generate revenue through prison services—which is not an essential function of the state—is also being questioned.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the structure and formation of the prison service, citing former Deputy Secretary General of Prisons Priit Kama as an expert in the field. Specific terminology, such as 'reintegration' and the 'Penal Code,' is employed, highlighting the significance of inmate regimes and educational activities. A detailed question is posed concerning the legal basis for foreign nationals serving their sentences.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and interrogative, posing direct and well-considered questions to the minister. The speaker relies on logical arguments and the viewpoints of experts (Priit Kama) to critique political decisions. Specific, albeit brief, emotional appeals (a reference to murder) are also employed to illustrate the consequences of the policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at the policy of the government (the minister), particularly concerning the placement of prisoners and the leasing out of prison spaces. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, calling into question the suitability of the cost-saving measures from the standpoint of rehabilitation and reintegration.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national (the Estonian prison system, the Estonian Penal Code) and international issues. The central point of attention is the leasing of prison capacity to foreign states and the resulting legal regime.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker questions whether the state should be generating revenue through services that are not part of its essential functions, framing this as an economic policy choice. It is pointed out that utilizing prisoners for assembly work is motivated by cost savings, yet this runs counter to the objectives of reintegration into society.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is on the reintegration of prisoners and security. The speaker strongly opposes placing two prisoners in a single cell, as this is detrimental to educational activities and increases the risk of violence, prioritizing social objectives over economic savings.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the implementation of the Penal Code and its applicability to foreign prisoners. The objective is to clarify whether the regime applied to these prisoners complies with Estonian regulations in the context of outsourcing prison capacity.
1 Speeches Analyzed