Accessibility links

Breaking News

Russian Court Orders Detention Of Estonian On Espionage Charges


A Russian court has ordered the detention of an Estonian security police officer on espionage charges.

The Interfax news agency reported that Moscow's Lefortovo court on September 6 sanctioned the pretrial detention of Eston Kohver.

The report added that Kohver could be held for two months.

If found guilty, Interfax said, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

Estonia says the security police officer was abducted at gunpoint in Estonia on September 5 and taken to Russia.

Calling it a "very disturbing incident," the Estonian Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in Tallinn, Yury Merzlakov, for an explanation.

Russia says Kohver was seized on its side of the border while involved in an undercover operation.

Based on reporting by Interfax and dpa

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG