Professor Viacheslav Morozov, formerly of the University of Tartu in Estonia, was accused of spying for Russia. He was sentenced to six years and three months imprisonment in June 2024. The Committee asks for the details of the closed-door trial to be made public to ensure the trial was not driven by political considerations.
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/russian-professor-jailed-estonia-espionage-charges
President Alar Karis
President of the Republic of Estonia
A. Weizenbergi 39,
15050 Tallinn, Estonia
E-mail: vpinfo@vpk.ee
X: @AlarKaris
July 5, 2024
Dear President Alar Karis:
The Committee of Concerned Scientists is an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.
We are writing regarding Viacheslav Morozov, a professor of international political theory at the University of Tartu who held that position for fourteen years. In June of 2024, Professor Morozov was sentenced to six years and three months imprisonment for espionage for Russia. The trial was not open to the public. Morozov was originally arrested in January of 2024. According to the state prosecutor, he used his position to gather information about “internal, defense, and security policies, as well as the people and infrastructure connected to these fields in Estonia.” Upon his arrest, his contract with the University of Tartu was terminated.
Morozov’s trial was held in private, ostensibly for security reasons. We ask Estonia to provide public evidence of Morozov’s guilt which would show his arrest and trial were not a political retaliation against Russia amidst the war in Ukraine. By doing so, Estonia would set an example for scientists in analogous situations in Russia. Morozov should also be allowed to appeal his sentence.
Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. We will be closely following developments in this case.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Paul H. Plotz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
CC:
Anthony Blinken
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
X: @SecBlinken
George P. Kent
United States Ambassador to Estonia
Kentmanni 20,
15099 Tallinn, Estonia
Phone: (372) 668 8100
Fax: (372) 668 8265
X: @USAmbEstonia