Prokurörid

Prokurörid are legal professionals who represent the state and the public interest within the Estonian legal system. They work primarily in the Prosecutor’s Office (Riigiprokuratuur) and in regional prosecutor’s offices, and they operate under the leadership of the Prosecutor General.

The core functions of prokurörid include supervising pre-trial investigations to ensure legality and fairness, deciding whether to initiate or continue criminal proceedings, and preparing indictments for court. They represent the state in criminal trials and appeals, and they may direct or review police actions to safeguard the rights of suspects and victims and to ensure compliance with the law. They also have procedural authority to request further investigations, discontinue proceedings where required by law, or seek procedural remedies in court.

In addition to criminal matters, prosecutors participate in civil or administrative cases where the state has an interest, as defined by law. The Prosecutor’s Office is organized regionally into county offices and specialized units that focus on areas such as corruption, organized crime, economic crime, and cybercrime. Prokurörid are trained lawyers who have passed national qualification requirements and take an oath to uphold the Constitution and the laws. The system emphasizes professional independence in prosecutorial decision-making while operating within the framework of Estonian constitutional and statutory law.