Häktet

Häktet refers to the detention facility used for remand custody within the Swedish criminal justice system. It denotes both the physical place where suspects may be held and the period of pre-trial detention themselves. In practice, häktet is the counterpart to fängelse, which houses convicted offenders serving a sentence. A person may be placed in häktet after arrest if a court finds that detention is necessary to ensure the investigation, prevent new crimes, or ensure the accused’s appearance at trial.

Detention is ordered by a district court and typically covers an initial period that can be extended by further court decisions. The length of stay in häktet depends on the course of the investigation and the trial timetable, and it is subject to legal safeguards and periodic review. Detained individuals are ordinarily held under the authority of police or court services and may be housed in a dedicated häkte unit within a courthouse or in a separate detention facility.

Rights and conditions of detention are defined by Swedish law. Detainees have the right to information about the reasons for detention, access to legal counsel, and opportunities to communicate with counsel and family. They are entitled to medical care, proper meals, and appropriate living conditions, with attention to security needs and protections for vulnerable groups, including juveniles. Conditions aim to balance investigative needs with respect for human rights, with restrictions in place to prevent harm and ensure safety.

See also: rättegångsbalken (the Swedish Code of Judicial Procedure), fängelse (prison), häktning (the act of remand detention), Kriminalvården (the Swedish Prison and Probation Service).