The Circuit Court agreed with the county court's decision. Peterson and Dmitri Rootsi were found guilty of treason. Andrey Andronov was found guilty of anti-Estonian activities.
The court modified the sentences of Peterson and Rootsi. They received 16 and 10 years of imprisonment, respectively. Andronov was sentenced to 11 years and 5 months in prison.
All defendants and the prosecution filed appeals. The court partially granted the prosecution's appeal. Other appeals were dismissed.
The court also ruled on procedural costs. Andronov must pay 1,323 euros. Peterson will receive 1,885 euros back.
According to the charges, Peterson and Rootsi aided Russia. They did so from October 2022 to March 2023. They worked against Estonia on Russia's orders.
They attempted to create a political group in Estonia favorable to Russia. The goal was to change Estonia's politics. All defendants denied their guilt.
The county court found that Peterson and Rootsi aided Russia. Rootsi spoke with Peterson about cooperation with Russia. They planned meetings with Russian politicians.
The court found this dangerous for Estonia. They also tried to create a civil defense organization. It would have been similar to organizations in Donbas.
Peterson and Rootsi did not receive instructions from Russia to establish this organization. Therefore, the court did not consider it aiding a foreign adversary.
The court also found that Peterson participated in a Russian propaganda trip. He made posts supporting Russia. He also spoke on Russian television channels.
Peterson hoped to benefit if Russia attacked Estonia. Rootsi's motive was financial gain.
The court found that Peterson's freedom of speech was not restricted. His actions threatened Estonia's security. Thus, the punishment was justified.
Rootsi's defense claimed he could have abandoned the crime. The court disagreed. Evidence showed Rootsi continued his activities.