Mailis Reps to be charged in November

Mailis Reps. Photo: Eero Vabamägi

Public prosecutor Denis Tšasovskih says in an interview that former education minister, MP Mailis Reps has been stripped of her Riigikogu immunity and that the Prosecutor’s Office can now move forward with criminal proceedings.

The Riigikogu on Tuesday supported removing Reps’ immunity with 56 votes.

“We can start putting together the charges now. Once finished, we will send them to court, Mailis Reps and her legal counsel. Only then can we talk about official charges,” the prosecutor said.

With recent events in mind, when could official charges be brought?

Considering the complexity and volume of materials, I dare say charges will be sent to court in November.

Late November?

Or sooner, it is difficult to say at this time.

We will be talking about suspicions until then?

Precisely. We can talk about suspicions brought in criminal proceedings.

The media has covered several episodes tied to Mailis Reps. What is the exact nature of suspicions?

Mailis Reps is suspected of having committed two crimes. Both are classified as intermittent offenses, meaning that they consist of several parts. Reps is suspected of embezzlement as an official and fraudulent conduct as an official.

What are we talking about exactly?

I would refrain from highlighting these episodes again. There has been quite enough press coverage. The charges will likely not hold any surprises for the public.

There has been talk of a ministry coffee machine Reps took home, using an official vehicle for private trips and Reps having the ministry pay for a lavish birthday party. These are the episodes the suspicions deal with?

Exactly.

Are there any other episodes previously unknown to the public?

No. There are no surprises in store.

Have other persons, accomplices been hit with suspicions?

No. Mailis Reps is the sole suspect of these proceedings.

What is the standard punishment for such offenses?

The legislator has specified a pecuniary punishment or imprisonment for up to five years for embezzlement and 1-5 years in prison for fraudulent conduct regarding the crimes of which we suspect Mailis Reps.

What would the trial mean for Reps as an MP and politician?

That is not for the prosecution to answer.

Center Party whip Jaanus Karilaid said that Center MPs expected Mailis Reps to attend the Riigikogu sitting on Tuesday, in addition to Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise. “Mailis was not present today or yesterday (the day before – ed.) and hopes of her taking the podium and making the proposal did not manifest,” Karilaid said, adding that Center MPs decided to abstain from voting as a result.