In August, the prosecutor's office filed charges against Johanna-Maria Lehtme. She is accused of misuse of trust and embezzlement of donation funds in the NGO Slava Ukraini. Slava Ukraini ceased operations last autumn due to a lack of funds.
Former Slava Ukraini council chairman Kristo Tohver said the organization decided not to claim financial damages from Lehtme. The reason is that recovering the money is not realistic. However, former members are not unanimous on this matter.
Former member Ilmar Raag said people now have to decide whether they want to do something. He emphasized that most people want to sever ties with this organization. But at the same time, there is also a desire to protect donors' interests and a sense of justice.
Raag said that according to the charges, a large portion of the money involves accusations of Lehtme breaching her duty of care. According to lawyers, the court process would cost at least 40,000 euros. The organization itself does not have this money. Moreover, there is a high probability that the money would not be recovered.
Another issue is a matter of principle. Raag asked whether to give up before all options have been exhausted. He believes that for the sake of justice, the process should continue. Former members feel they have been deceived.
The Slava Ukraini council included Kristo Tohver, Ilmar Raag, Margus Hanson, Terje Trochynsky, Merike Külm, and Mait Mäesalu. Currently, the NGO's liquidator is Anu Viltrop.
Raag said no decision has been made yet. People are discussing and figuring out how to proceed. He believes no consensus will be reached, as different people have different opinions.
According to the prosecutor's office, the total damage caused by Lehtme is nearly 450,000 euros.