Georgian MFA ‘Concerned’ over ‘Abduction’ and Sentencing of Estonian Officer by Russia

Georgian Foreign Ministry has expressed “concern” over “abduction” and conviction of an Estonian Internal Security Service officer Eston Kohver by Russia.

“We consider conviction of Eston Kohver, as well as his detention, as unlawful act,” the Georgian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on August 19.

“We hope that the international community will spare no effort to secure the Estonian citizen’s immediate release and his safe return to Estonia,” it said.

Kohver was arrested by the Russian Federal Security Service in September. Estonia said he was arrested in an ambush on the Estonian territory close to the Russian border and Russia said Kohver was detained on its territory. The Pskov regional court sentenced Kohver to 15 years in Prison on August 19 on charges of espionage, arms smuggling and illegal crossing the Russian state border.

The EU said that Kohver’s “abduction and subsequent illegal detention in Russia constitute a clear violation of international law” and called on Moscow to release the Estonian officer immediately. The U.S. Department of State said it’s “deeply concerned” over Kohver’s “abduction” and conviction on “baseless charges”.

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