Russian media: Kohver decision due on August 19
According to reports in the Russian media, the Pskov court will publish its ruling, concerning kidnapped Estonian official Eston Kohver, on August 19, one day before Estonia celebrates 24 years since regaining independence from the Soviet Union.
The court today heard the last witnesses speak, and Kohver, who was captured by Russian authorities from Estonian soil on September 5, last year, was also allowed to speak to the court, Russian media reported.
Russia, which claims Kohver was arrested on Russian soil, has charged the Internal Security Service employee with espionage, illegal border crossing, carrying illegal firearms and trafficking illicit merchandize.
Kohver's Russian-state-appointed lawyer Yevgeni Aksyonov has previously said he hopes for a maximum of 10 years. The prosecution has asked for 16 years sentence for Kohver.
The Estonian government has maintained the charges and the trial is a farce and his abduction illegal.
New Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand said at the end of July that Kohver is likely to receive a long sentence.
Editor: J.M. Laats