Evestus to quit prosecution

Steven-Hristo Evestus. Photo: Mihkel Maripuu

Prosecutor in Edgar Savisaar’s corruption trial Steven-Hristo Evestus (40) announced yesterday that he plans to resign and leave the prosecution. December 31 will mark the last day in Evestus’ career in the prosecution that has lasted for over 16 years.

“There have been both good and bad times over those long years, but at the end of the day, the prosecution has given me everything I wanted.  However, a monotonous life is a life wasted. One must take advantage of the time and opportunities one is given in life and that requires freedom. I have been making preparations for being free for some time, and that is what I plan on enjoying as my inspiration for next year,” Evestus wrote on social media.

The state prosecutor said that he wants to see more of life outside of the prosecution and grow in different areas, which is why he will be taking a time-out. “As concerns my long-time employer, I’m glad the prosecution is very good at what it does, and I believe that will continue! Believe me, my wise and diligent colleagues of whom there are enough in the prosecution will be up to any task,” he said.

Evestus announced his resignation in the middle of one of the biggest trials of his career – Edgar Savisaar’s corruption case in which the final ruling has not been made. The Supreme Court is set to decide in the near future whether Savisaar’s poor health is grounds for termination of proceedings.

Press Representative of the Public Prosecutor’s Office Kaarel Kallas said that Evestus’ decision should not be interpreted as a result of the prosecutor having inside information as to the upcoming ruling.

“A prosecutor always has outstanding cases. A situation where all criminal cases have been concluded simply doesn’t exist,” Kallas explained.

Evestus’ cases will be taken over by a colleague. As Evestus’ specialty is corruption, the cases will be handed to a prosecutor with experience and results in that particular field.

Steven-Hristo Evestus’ other outstanding cases include the so-called passport mafia trial and businessman Henry Kallas’ money laundering charges.