Estonian politicians face trial over alleged coup plot with GRU
The Estonian prosecution has charged three politicians with attempting to overthrow the government with the help of the Russian intelligence service, GRU. They face several years in prison.
What do you need to know?
- The Estonian prosecution has charged three politicians with attempting a coup with the support of the Russian intelligence service, GRU. The trial began in November 2022.
- Aivo Peterson, the leader of the Koos party, and his associates, Dmitrij Rootsi and Andrei Andronov, allegedly formed a paramilitary group under the guise of a charity organisation.
- Prosecutor Triinu Olev-Aas demanded 17 years in prison for Peterson, 13 years for Rootsi, and 11 years for Andronov.
The Estonian prosecution revealed that three politicians associated with the Koos party planned to overthrow the government. Aivo Peterson, Dmitrij Rootsi, and Andrei Andronov were allegedly forming a paramilitary group that operated under the guise of a charity organisation. The aim was to destabilise the situation in the country and seize power.
According to the prosecution, the politicians received support from the Russian military intelligence, GRU, as reported by the daily "Postimees".
What evidence did the prosecution present?
The prosecution presented evidence indicating that the politicians established contact with the GRU to receive instructions and funds to carry out their plans. In correspondence presented to the court, Peterson emphasised that this structure would "ensure security and perform army functions" in the event of a "power vacuum". Prosecutor Triinu Olev-Aas noted that Russia used similar groups to destabilise the situation in Ukraine in 2014.
Aivo Peterson, Dmitrij Rootsi, and Andrei Andronov were charged with treason. The prosecutor demanded 17 years in prison for Peterson, 13 years for Rootsi, and 11 years for Andronov. Peterson claimed that his actions were aimed at protecting society, but the prosecution considered this an attempt to conceal true intentions. The trial has reached its final stage, and further hearings will take place in June.
The Koos party was not significant on the Estonian political scene. It was founded in 2022, opposing support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The party leader appeared, among other things, as a guest on a programme hosted by Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov. Koos only stood in elections once—in the bid for seats in the European Parliament, the party achieved just 3.13 per cent of the votes.
Source: The Moscow Times
