Estonia: Two years, no verdict — the trial against Eesti Rahvusringhääling and journalist Anna Pihl continues

December 11, 2020 – Nearly two years have passed since the beginning of the trial against Estonian newsroom Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) and two of its journalists, including Anna Pihl. The proceedings remain ongoing, with no end in sight. Throughout the trial, the news covered by the journalists has been restricted from public access. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) condemns this attempt to silence the journalists, demanding the case be dropped and their coverage released. 

According to the Council of Europe, on December 21, 2018, Finnish businessman Arto Autio and investment firm Brave Capital filed a lawsuit against ERR and its journalists, Mihkel Kärmas and Anna Pihl. Legal action was taken against the media outlet for an investigation they aired online and broadcasted on the Pealtnägija (Eyewitness) program in November. The investigation focused on the alleged activities of individuals linked to a Finnish non-profit in Estonia, in particular the transfer of thousands of euros from an Estonian shell company. These individuals are now under criminal investigation in Finland. The investigation is also reviewing the sale of a Tallinn property owned by the Estonian Center Party. Autio is implicated in both parts of the inquiry. In the lawsuit it is alleged that the investigation spread misinformation and caused damaging acts, inducing a loss of nearly 1 billion euros. 

As reported by the journalists, most of the information shared in their investigation had already been published across various news outlets in both Finland and Estonia. On January 7, 2019, the Harju Provincial Court ordered the ERR to remove the program and the news stories from their platform. On January 7, 2019, the Harju Provincial Court ordered the ERR to remove its investigation program, including the related articles from its platforms, and banned journalists from reporting on the investigation. 

CFWIJ has been following similar cases initiated against news portal Necenzurirano.si’s managers. They are now facing a total of 39 legal cases against them, due to the “defamation” of a famous tax expert known to have ties to the government. Prominent Filipino journalist Maria Ressa faces similar cases. 

CFWIJ finds such actions by executives around the world frivolous and damaging to the freedom of expression. CFWIJ urges the authorities to act against such lawsuits, which not only target journalism but also waste time and resources of the judiciary.