Tallinn city centre elder convicted of embezzlement

Yesterday, Harju County Court judged Tallinn City Centre elder Alar Nääme (Centre Party) guilty of organizing an election event for city money. The verdict was a pecuniary punishment. In Estonian legal practice, this was a first. 

Pursuant to Penal Code regarding embezzlement by an official, the pecuniary punishment was for 200 daily rates which in the case of Mr Nääme make €6,300.

Two concerts organised by Mr Nääme in Valga last year happened immediately before general elections, noted the court.

«By nature, the concerts were election events. Thus, Mr Nääme ought to have paid for them personally. However, Mr Nääme had Tallinn City Centre government pay for the events,» explained the judge.

At court, it was proven that while the concerts featured no direct election propaganda, their timing and way of organisation pointed towards a desire to present Mr Nääme and advertise him as a candidate.

The court conceded the guilt was of medium severity and the sum embezzled was not very large at about €2,800. They took into consideration the lack of prior criminal record while the act in question was intentional.

The Harju County Court decision may be contested within 15 days. In case of entry into force of the conviction, Mr Nääme would lose his position and be banned from public office until the punishment expires.

To journalists, Mr Nääme said he was surprised by the conviction. The ruling will be contested and he is not about to step down.

Tallinn City Council members Hanno Matto (Soc Dems) and Kaido Kukk (IRL) said the official must be dismissed at once by acting mayor of Tallinn Taavi Aas.