“Prosecution of dives in Estonia is illegal”

The two men who have now been charged worked on the documentary in which it was revealed that there is a previously unknown hole in the Estonian helmet. One man was the director and the other is said to have been responsible for creating 3D models of what the film crew recorded.

The two defendants have denied the crime but admitted the facts.

According to journalists’ organizations, it is doubtful that the Serious Peace Law is even compatible with international law, since the shipwreck is in international waters. Furthermore, they believe that freedom of acquisition, which means that the authorities cannot intervene against anyone who collects information for the purpose of publishing it, should protect journalists from prosecution.

And although the court finds that Estonian law restricts freedom of acquisition, there is still protection for freedom of expression, where the interest in protecting individuals must be weighed against the interest in freedom of expression and information, the organizations write:

“A conviction in the Estonian documentary case would restrict freedom of expression and information under the European Convention, which would be devastating for investigative journalism in the Nordic countries.”

The law on the protection of the peace of the grave on the Estonian passenger ship was established in 1995 between Finland, Sweden and Estonia, to prevent the looting of the wreck.

The charge against both men is the first time a violation of the law has been tried in a Swedish court.

Marc Skogelin / TT