Pidamisel

Pidamisel is a legal term used in Estonian law to describe the temporary deprivation of liberty of a person by police or other authorities as part of a criminal investigation. It is a measure intended to ensure the effectiveness of the investigation, to prevent flight, to protect witnesses and victims, or to prevent tampering with evidence. Detention is distinct from longer-term imprisonment and is designed to be brief and regularly reviewed.

The legal framework and purpose of pidamine are tied to the Code of Criminal Procedure. Detention may be imposed on a person suspected of committing a crime when there is a need to secure the investigation or to ensure the person’s presence at trial. In most cases, initial detention without a court order is limited in time, and any further detention or extensions require a court decision. The exact time limits and procedures are set by law and can vary depending on the seriousness of the alleged offense and other circumstances.

A person in pidamine is held in a police detention facility or another secure location. Detainees have rights designed to protect their legal standing and well-being. They must be informed of the grounds for detention and the charges, and they have the right to legal counsel, to inform a relative, and to communicate with a lawyer. The detainee is entitled to humane treatment, medical care if needed, and access to interpretation services if language barriers exist. Detainees can challenge the detention before a court, and detention decisions can be reviewed or appealed.

Detention continues only as long as it remains necessary for the investigation or the pursuit of the case. If the court determines that detention is no longer required, the person must be released or subjected to a different, lesser pre-trial measure.