The Tallinn Circuit Court made a decision on Monday in the case between Moora and Pruunsild. The court partially overturned the earlier decision of Harju County Court and ordered Moora to pay 500 euros in damages.
According to the court, Moora's comments on social media were value judgments. The court emphasized that factual statements can be refuted, but value judgments cannot. Although politicians must endure sharp criticism, the court found that linking Pruunsild to corruption was exaggerated.
The circuit court added that Moora commented on the accusations in a timely manner, but he was not officially a journalist at the time. The court also found that Pruunsild’s donation to the Isamaa party was not prohibited.
Paul Keres, the lawyer representing Pruunsild, said that the court considered Moora's comments unlawful. The court stressed that Moora did not prove why linking Pruunsild to corruption was justified.
The court noted that communicating with politicians and donating to a party is not corruption. In the court's opinion, Moora's comments created a false impression about Pruunsild.
Moora and his lawyer Mari Männik have not yet commented on the court decision. The court decision has not yet entered into force.
In April 2023, Erik Moora posted a comment on Twitter where he called Pruunsild's donation "the biggest political corruption in Estonia." Harju County Court initially ruled in favor of Moora, but Pruunsild filed an appeal.
Harju County Court found that Pruunsild's donation to Isamaa was legal and did not provide grounds for corruption claims. The court noted that Pruunsild's communication with politicians and his donations are not signs of corruption.
The court dispute between Pruunsild and Kaja Kallas is still ongoing. Pruunsild has previously been involved in court disputes with other politicians as well.