Author Mihkel Mutt announced that he received a demand letter from a lawyer.
The law firm Ellex Raidla represents Juhan Viiding's heirs. They want the book "Juhani's Gospel" to be removed from sale.
The book must be removed from sale by October 23, 2026 at the latest. This applies to both printed books and e-books.
Mutt said he agrees to remove the book from sale. He promised to do so by October 30 at the latest.
Lawyer Ants Nõmper said that Mutt agrees to remove the book from sale. If Mutt does so and provides written confirmation, the matter will be closed.
The heirs did not want money. They wanted Mutt to stop using Juhan Viiding’s letters.
Juhan Viiding’s daughter Elo Viiding said that publishing the letters is a violation of copyright. She said they did not give permission to publish the letters.
Mutt later clarified that he has not yet confirmed the removal of the book from sale. He is talking to his lawyer and will respond at the earliest opportunity.
Mutt said he thought that letters could be published if the author has been dead for more than 10 years. Juhan Viiding has been dead for 31 years.
The book tells about Juhan Viiding's life and work. Mutt published Viiding's letters in the book without the heirs' consent. This caused a scandal.
After ERR's news, the book was sold out in most stores.