Estonian court sentences anti-NATO party leader to long-term imprisonment, charged with representing Russia in undermining the security of the Baltic states.
On Thursday, Harju County Court sentenced 14 years in prison for the conservative small party "Koos" (Unity) co-founder Aivo Petersen for treason. His accomplices Dmitri Ruts and Andrey Andronov were each sentenced to 11 years and 11 years and six months respectively. All three denied any wrongdoing and stated they would appeal the verdict.
The prosecution accused the defendants of spreading "narratives supporting Russian foreign and security policies," intending to undermine public trust in NATO and Estonia's military aid to Ukraine.
"The defendants intentionally assisted Russia in activities targeting Estonia's state and society," said State Prosecutor Tõnu Olev-As.
Koos called for Estonia to leave NATO, become a neutral country, withdraw foreign troops, and "avoid direct or indirect participation in military conflicts between other countries."
Original: toutiao.com/article/1851448543949888/
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