Estonian politicians charged in coup plot with Russian backing
The Estonian prosecution has charged three politicians with attempting to overthrow the government with support from the Russian intelligence agency, GRU. They face several years in prison.
What do you need to know?
- The Estonian prosecution has charged three politicians with attempting a coup d'état with the support of the Russian intelligence agency GRU. The trial began in November 2022.
- Aivo Peterson, the leader of the Koos party, along with his associates Dmitrij Rootsi and Andrei Andronow, allegedly formed a paramilitary group under the guise of a charitable organization.
- Prosecutor Triinu Olev-Aas has demanded 17 years in prison for Peterson, 13 years for Rootsi, and 11 years for Andronow.
The Estonian prosecution has revealed that three politicians associated with the Koos party were planning to overthrow the government. Aivo Peterson, Dmitrij Rootsi, and Andrei Andronow were allegedly forming a paramilitary group that operated under the guise of a charitable organization. Their aim was to destabilize the situation in the country and seize power.
According to the prosecution, the politicians received support from the Russian military intelligence agency GRU, as reported by the newspaper "Postimees".
Estonia: 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 the correspondence presented to the court, Peterson emphasized that this structure will "ensure security and function as an army" in the event of a "power vacuum". Prosecutor Triinu Olev-Aas noted that Russia used similar groups to destabilize the situation in Ukraine in 2014.
Aivo Peterson, Dmitrij Rootsi, and Andrei Andronow were charged with treason. The prosecutor has demanded 17 years in prison for Peterson, 13 years for Rootsi, and 11 years for Andronow. Peterson claimed his actions were aimed at protecting society, but the prosecution considered this an attempt to hide true intentions. The trial has reached the final stage, and the next hearings will take place in June.
The Koos party was not significant in the Estonian political scene. It was founded in 2022, opposing support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia. The party leader was a guest on the program of Russian propagandist Vladimir Soloviev. Koos ran only once in the elections—in the fight for seats in the European Parliament—and won only 3.13% of the votes.
Source: The Moscow Times
