August 07, 2002 12:44 PM ET


HELSINKI (Reuters) - An Estonian prostitute is suing Finland for 21,930 euros ($21,230) in lost income and personal damages after she was jailed for almost two months without being charged, her lawyer said.

Known only as Tatyana, the 28-year-old was arrested in the spring for pimping when police broke up a prostitution ring operating in the Helsinki area and the southwestern city of Turku.

After 51 days in jail, Tatyana was released when the prosecutor decided not to press charges. Prostitution is not a crime in Finland, but pimping is.

Attorney Hans Mannsten told Reuters his client wanted 350 euros in lost revenues for every day spent in prison and an additional 80 euros per day for suffering.

"The court initially said the amount we require for lost salary is too high, but we stand by our demands," Mannsten said.

"Her friends made money and she could not when she was in jail, that is the problem."

Court officials in Helsinki were not immediately available to comment on the case. Mannsten said he expected the suit to go to trial before the end of 2002.