Abducted Estonian officer, Eston Kohler, who was released after a swap with Russia, held a press conference earlier today with Interior Minister, Hando Pevkur and Estonian security officials.
“Today is a great day. Eston, as you can see, is back home,” said Pevkur during his introduction. Pevkur then removed a yellow ribbon from his lapel, which has been used by Kohler’s supporters throughout his one year and one month long incarceration, as a symbol of support for the Estonian officer.
“I would like to say, in particular, that it is good to be back at home,” said Kohver, “thanks to all the people who helped support me and my family during this time.”
Kohver left the press conference and did not answer any questions.
Pevkur and KaPO director, Arnold Sinisalu took questions from reporters but would not release any specific details about the negotiations and agreement that led to the release of Kohver and swap for Russian spy Alexei Dressen.
Pevkur said that “we can’t comment on the negotiations at any length. I can say that I was involved in the negotiations. They also included the Director General of Police, however, we won’t disclose other details.” According to Pevkur, negotiations were initiated by Estonian authorities to bring Kohver back home.
Reporters at the press conference asked why Kohver released his defence attorney. Pevkur replied that “regardless of who the attorney would have been, the outcome would have been a guilty verdict.”
Estonian security police director Arnold Sinisalu said that Kohver was in good health and may later disclose details about his incarceration. He also said that Kohver would be welcomed back to his policing job if he so wished.
Source: Postimees, RFERL
Postimees.ee photos and video here
