Kristiina Tõnisson, head of the University of Tartu Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, wrote in a letter to alumni that the Estonian Internal Security Service (ISS) has launched an investigation regarding Viacheslav Morozov, professor of international political theory, based on suspicions of actions against the state.
“I am writing primarily to those who have been in contact with Viacheslav Morozov, professor of international political theory, at the University of Tartu. This is to inform you that the Estonian Internal Security Service has notified the university that they have started an investigation against him and that he is suspected of action against the Republic of Estonia. The employment relationship with him has been terminated,” Tõnisson wrote.
“Understandably, this comes as a shock to all of us. Our trust has been seriously abused. We confirm you that we have had no grounds to question Viacheslav Morozov’s earlier work, but in the light of new knowledge, it is important to critically review it,” the head of the institute added.
The ISS said via a press release that it detained Russian citizen Viacheslav Morozov on January 3, following suspicions of intelligence activity aimed against the Republic of Estonia and facilitating it.
“The aggressor’s intelligence interest in Estonia remains considerable,” ISS Director Margo Polloson said. “This recent case follows a few dozen others and illustrates Russian intelligence agencies’ desire to infiltrate different walks of life in Estonia, including academia.”
More read: ERR