Kohtla-Järve council member Anton Dijev was accused of corruption and received a punishment. The Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture states that a person punished for an intentional crime cannot be a member of the council.
According to the law, the mandate of a council member ends if they receive a punishment for an intentional crime. Eliko Saks, the minister's advisor, says that this also applies if the court decision comes before running for the council.
The chairman of the Kohtla-Järve council, Eduard Odinets, disagrees with the ministry's position. He believes that Dijev has the right to be in the new council.
Anton Dijev did not inform the local government of his punishment. The law requires council members to report such matters but does not specify how quickly this must be done.
The head of the Kohtla-Järve electoral commission, Anna Generalova, says it is still unclear whether Dijev can participate in the new council. She is waiting for a response from the national electoral commission.
Eliko Saks also mentions that the right to file a complaint lies with candidates and parties who believe their rights have been violated. The Supreme Court may also clarify the situation.