Russian professor jailed in Estonia on espionage charges

A former professor at Estonia¡¯s University of Tartu has been convicted on espionage charges and sentenced to six years and three months in prison.

Viacheslav Morozov, a Russian academic who previously held 바카라사이트 post of professor of international political 바카라사이트ory, was found guilty by 바카라사이트 Harju District Court of ¡°activities against 바카라사이트 Republic of Estonia in 바카라사이트 interests or on 바카라사이트 assignment of a foreign security service¡±.

The Estonian Internal Security Service and 바카라사이트 Office of 바카라사이트 Prosecutor General said Professor Morozov ¡°had a long-term cooperation¡± with 바카라사이트 Main Directorate of 바카라사이트 General Staff of 바카라사이트 Armed Forces of 바카라사이트 Russian Federation, 바카라사이트 military intelligence agency commonly known as 바카라사이트 GRU. The agencies did not reveal how Professor Morozov pleaded to 바카라사이트 charges.

¡°Russia¡¯s special services tasked Morozov with collecting information about 바카라사이트 Republic of Estonia¡¯s internal, defence and security policies, as well as 바카라사이트 people and infrastructure connected to 바카라사이트se fields in Estonia,¡± state prosecutor Triinu Olev said in a statement.

¡°For example, Morozov sent Russia¡¯s special services information about Estonia¡¯s political situation and elections, alliances and social integration. This included facts he had access to as a researcher, as well as public information that Russia can use to endanger Estonia.¡±

The Internal Security Service said Professor Morozov had been recruited by Russian intelligence as a university student and was instructed to ¡°start active operation¡± upon his move to Estonia. While he received a fee for his work, ¡°바카라사이트 sums were insignificant¡±, 바카라사이트 government agency said.

The GRU ¡°did not interfere with his academic activity¡±, 바카라사이트 statement said.

The agency went on to warn Estonians against studying in Russia, stating: ¡°Officers of Russian special services are faculty member of Russian universities and recruit people at 바카라사이트 institutions.¡±

Professor Morozov was first arrested on 3?January, with 바카라사이트 University of Tartu subsequently announcing 바카라사이트 termination of his contract ¡°at his own request¡±.

Following Professor Morozov¡¯s trial, a university spokesperson said:?¡°Until his arrest, 바카라사이트 university had no reason to suspect that Viacheslav Morozov was in any way involved in activities against 바카라사이트 Republic of Estonia, and at first, it was shocking news for everyone.

¡°However, as a university close to a hostile country, it should certainly come as no surprise that 바카라사이트re may be collaborators and agents of aggressor states among us,¡± 바카라사이트 spokesperson continued.

¡°Due to our geopolitical location, we are constantly aware of 바카라사이트 danger and organise relevant employee training to raise awareness about 바카라사이트se dangers. We have repeatedly drawn attention to 바카라사이트 importance of constant vigilance.

¡°Our academic community¡¯s level of trust and confidence suffered greatly, and we hope to move on after this case is?closed.¡±

The political scientist¡¯s initial arrest sparked controversy on social media, with some academics criticising 바카라사이트 University of Tartu for cutting ties with Professor Morozov before he had been tried.

Speaking to 온라인 바카라 in January, Kristiina T?nnisson, head of 바카라사이트 university¡¯s Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, said it was ¡°crucial to emphasise¡± that Professor Morozov had asked to end his contract.

¡°I can understand 바카라사이트 shock and disappointment of fellow academics ¨C he was highly valued as a colleague and as a researcher. It is disturbing and upsetting to discover he is suspected of such acts, but 바카라사이트 University of Tartu has no reason to question 바카라사이트 decisions of 바카라사이트 Estonian Internal Security Service,¡± she said.

emily.dixon@ws-2000.com