Estonians want harsher punishments for crimes, study shows

Estonians want harsher punishments for crimes, a new study shows.

The survey by the Estonian Ministry of Defense interviewed residents, police officers, prosecutors and judges as to their preferences on crimes inlcuding family violence, embezzlement, robbery and theft. Types, length and objectives of sentences for offences were also analyzed.

Results showed residents were the harshest in their assessments of crimes, followed by police officers and prosecutors. Judges were the most lenient in their assessments.

Estonian Minister of Justice Andres Anvelt pointed out that the significant difference between punishment assessments indicates that residents do not approve the sentences imposed for crimes and expect them to be considerably harsher.

He shared concerns that residents in Estonia as well as law enforcement professionals are more lenient towards family violence in comparison with other crimes, according to the survey.