Rõivas: we expect Russia to fully cooperate

Photo: SCANPIX

Commenting of the kidnapping, this morning, of an Estonian security police officer, Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas said he expects Russia to fully cooperate and provide legal assistance to solve the incident.

In Wales for the NATO summit, Mr Rõivas said apprehension of a security police officer is crime of a serious order, deeply disturbing to everyone in Estonia. 

«Our primary task is to do all that is possible to deliver the police officer,» said Mr Rõivas as mediated by the government communication bureau. «We expect Russia to fully cooperate and provide legal assistance,» underlined Mr Rõivas

This morning at 9 am, unknown individuals from Russia apprehended a security policeman on duty near Luhamaa border point on Estonian territory, and took him to Russia by physical force at gunpoint.

The official of Security Police (Kapo) was on duty as related to thwarting a cross-border crime. The kidnapping was preceded by interference from the Russian side of operative radio communication and use of smoke signals, said Kapo press representative. 

Based on the information currently available, Security Police has launched criminal proceedings based on the clauses of deprivation of liberty and the illegal crossing of state border and temporary border line. 

By Penal Code, deprivation of liberty will, if proven, bring about pecuniary penalty or imprisonment up to five years; illegal crossing of state border and temporary border line spells imprisonment of 4 to 12 years. 

Comments regarding the incident are being provided by Kapo director-general Arnold Sinisalu and Lavly Perling acting as Prosecutor-General, at a press conference at Kapo underway since 5 pm today.