The United States is deeply concerned by the continued detention of Estonian police officer Eston Kohver by Russian authorities.
On September 5, 2014 – exactly six months ago – Mr. Kohver was seized on Estonian territory near the Estonian-Russian border while carrying out official duties to prevent transnational crime.
The Russian Federation’s incursion onto Estonian soil to seize Mr. Kohver and its continuing detention of Mr. Kohver raise serious issues regarding Russia’s compliance with its international legal obligations.
We continue to be seriously concerned about developments in the case, including another extension of his detention, now until April 5, and an order for the psychiatric examination of Mr. Kohver.
We remain concerned that Russian authorities have failed to resolve this case in a timely fashion and provide for Mr. Kohver’s immediate release and return to Estonia.
We call once again on Russia to return Mr. Kohver to Estonia immediately and unharmed.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the Permanent Council, Vienna | March 5, 2015
