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President of the Republic amended his resolution on conferring state decorations

14.02.2007

President Toomas Hendrik Ilves signed a resolution today which amends his resolution no. 94, dated February 7 of this year, by excluding Jüri Paap from among those receiving the Order of the White Star, 4th class.

“I am not questioning Justice Jüri Paap’s services that deserve recognition as a creator of the Tallinn Circuit Court, a developer of the modern court system, and competent judge. For these reasons, I submitted the application to the Decorations Committe of the Supreme Court to give him a state decoration.” said President Ilves.

During the last week, the Head of State has become aware of the judgments made by Justice Jüri Paap in 1979-1980 that caused people to suffer because of their nationalist or dissident activities.

The President feels it is regrettable that everything was not known to him before he made the decision on February 7.

“We must reconcile and forgive. Nevertheless, I base my decision on the conviction that the Republic of Estonia cannot bestow state decorations on those who have participated in the persecution of compatriots during the occupation” said President Ilves.

Public Relations Department of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, 14 February 2007