Members of the National Defense Committee Leo Kunnas, Peeter Tali, Alar Laneman, and Meelis Kiili want to establish a military court in Estonia. They believe the current court system is too slow for war. The military court would operate during wartime and quickly resolve issues related to the defense forces.
The lawyer of reserve officers, Daimar Liiv, says the peacetime court system is not suitable for war. During war, decisions must be quick, and judges must be prepared. Currently, judges are not accustomed to wartime situations.
Minister of Justice Liisa Pakosta does not support the idea of a military court. She says it would be against the constitution. Currently, there are already judges who work during wartime. Additionally, separate training is needed. In Pakosta's opinion, a new court system is unnecessary.
Leo Kunnas says the government believes Estonia is ready for war. However, in his view, that is not true. He believes former military personnel have more knowledge about war. They are following the war in Ukraine and know what could happen in Estonia.
The government and the National Defense Committee are now discussing a new law. Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur says that if necessary, the draft law will be withdrawn. However, Kunnas says they can resubmit it as a committee proposal.