EU's Mogherini Calls on Russia to Release Jailed Estonian Policeman Kohver

The European Union's foreign policy chief Frederica Mogherini said Wednesday that Russia's detention of Estonian Internal Security officer Eston Kohver is illegal, urging Moscow to release him.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, Kohver was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment, having been found guilty of espionage, smuggling, possession of weapons, as well as illegally crossing the state border.

"Mr Kohver’s abduction and subsequent illegal detention in Russia constitute a clear violation of international law," Mogherini said in a statement.

"The EU continues to call on the Russian Federation to act according to its international obligations, release Mr Kohver immediately and guarantee his safe return to Estonia," the statement reads.

According to Estonian authorities, Kohver was kidnapped by unidentified individuals in Estonia and taken at gunpoint across the country's border with Russia in September 2014.

Earlier in the day, Estonian Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand condemned the sentencing of the Estonian Internal Security officer.

According to the Russian Federal Security Service, Kohver was detained in the Pskov Region of Russia bordering Estonia with hidden recording devices, a pistol and 5,000 euros (over $5,500 at current exchange rates) in cash.