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Estonia Detains Blogger Oleg Besedin for Pro-Kremlin Activities and Sanctions Violations
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Estonia’s Internal Security Service (Kapo) has detained blogger Oleg Besedin on suspicion of engaging in activities against Estonia and violating international sanctions.
This was reported by Estonian media outlet Postimees on November 4, citing the Office of the Prosecutor General.
According to investigators, since at least 2022, Besedin has been cooperating with individuals linked to Russian intelligence services and participating in Russia’s information influence operations.
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“We have previously warned about the security threats associated with Besedin’s activities in our annual reports and public statements. There are now grounds to suspect him of committing a state crime,” said Taavi Narits, Deputy Director General of the Internal Security Service. “Through Kremlin-directed information influence, in which Besedin allegedly participated, attempts were made to create opportunities for Russia to interfere in Estonia’s internal affairs.”
Authorities also suspect Besedin of repeatedly distributing content from Russian media outlets under EU sanctions. This is considered a violation of European Union sanctions and classified as a crime against peace.
“In Estonia, non-violent activities aimed against the Republic of Estonia that harm our independence, sovereignty, or territorial integrity are punishable as state crimes,” said Chief State Prosecutor Taavi Pern.
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According to the investigation, Oleg Besedin’s actions went beyond constitutionally protected debate and became deliberate activity in the interests of a state hostile to Estonia.
The case involves charges of non-violent actions directed against the Estonian state under Article 233(1) of the Penal Code and violation of international sanctions under Article 93¹(1). The pre-trial investigation is being led by the Internal Security Service under the supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
Earlier, a Russian Federal Security Service border patrol vessel was seen on the Narva River, which forms part of the border between Estonia and Russia, displaying a flag associated with the Wagner private military company.
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