One of the leaders of the Koos party Aivo Peterson was sentenced to 14 years in prison for treason by Harju County Court on Thursday, APA reports, citing ERR.
The court also found Dmitri Rootsi and Andrei Andronov guilty in the criminal case, sentencing them to 11 years and 11.6 years of imprisonment, respectively, also starting from the date of their arrest on March 2023.
According to the charges, Estonian citizens Aivo Peterson and Dmitri Rootsi, from October 2022 to March 10, 2023, knowingly and in an organized manner assisted individuals acting on behalf of Russia and Russian authorities in non-violent activities aimed against the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Estonia, based on instructions received from Russia.
The accused allegedly participated in conscious influence operations with the aim of creating a political organization in Estonia that supported Russia's foreign and security policy narratives and propaganda messages.
Through this organization, Russia allegedly sought to create an opportunity to endanger Estonia's constitutional order, interfere in Estonia's domestic politics, and influence its foreign policy.
The convicted must also cover procedural costs, which amount to several thousand euros.
The decision has not entered into force and can be appealed.
All defendants denied their guilt. The trial began in November 2023.
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