Refutation of false information published in Eesti

Tallinn, Estonia, 2013-07-11 14:40 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The article in today’s issue of Eesti Ekspress, entitled “Judges made mistake in favour of Merko worth millions of euros” (“Kohtunikud eksisid Merko kasuks miljonite eurodega“) contains false information.

First, both the headline of the article and the photo are misleading, as the judgment was made in connection with AS Järvevana and not in connection with AS Merko Ehitus. Furthermore, the Prosecutor’s Office has never requested a EEK 250 million penalty for AS Järvevana, but instead 25 million EEK or 1,597,791.27 EUR, as is also specified in clause 8 of page 82 of the Public Prosecutor's Office appeal of 4 July 2012.

In providing reasoning for the penalty, the District Court erroneously referred to the Prosecutor’s Office. The Prosecutor’s Office did not request the penalty that the court refers to. The numerical values of the penalty in euros are in logically related in the Prosecutor's Office appeal and the judgment of the court. The mistake stems from the unusual exchange rate of EUR/EEK that the District Court used in its reasoning for its judgment.

With the judgment of the Tallinn District Court, a pecuniary punishment in the amount of EUR 798,000 was imposed on AS Järvevana. The judgment has not entered into effect. AS Järvevana will appeal in cassation within the lawful term and pursuant to procedure prescribed by law. We intend to contest the judgment of the court in full based on the material violation of substantive and procedural provisions.

Further information: Leon Glikman, Glikman, Alvin & Partners Law Firm, phone +372 686 0000.