Man jailed for causing road accident that killed 3 people seeking early release

TALLINN - Isa Khalilov, serving a ten-year prison sentence for causing a crash on Laagna Road in Tallinn in June 2020 that resulted in the deaths of three people, has petitioned for early release, Elu24 reported.

In 2021, a court sentenced Khalilov to 10 years in prison. Khalilov, who is now 25 years old, wants to be conditionally released with an electronic ankle bracelet.

"I am guilty. It is very difficult to live with this pain," he said.

When asked by the judge why he committed such a serious crime by driving at nearly 200 kmh within city limits, Khalilov stated that it was irresponsible of him. "I was young and stupid."

Khalilov mentioned that he has done cleaning work in prison and is now dedicated to his studies. In September, Khalilov will go to the 12th grade. He added that while in prison, he has also passed the B1 level Estonian language exam and completed social programs.

Through working in prison, Khalilov has been trying to pay off his obligations, which amount to a total of 120,000 euros. Upon release, he hopes to repay his obligations more quickly by working.

Once freed, he plans to live with his relatives and, according to him, start working at a restaurant -- either as a cook, waiter, or cleaner. At the moment, he is repaying his obligations at a rate of 300 euros per month.

"I intend to do everything I can to earn more and pay off this amount faster," he said.

While Tallinn Prison supports Khalilov's early release, the prosecution does not.

The prosecution pointed out that Khalilov lives in Estonia on a long-term residence permit, which expires in 2028 -- two years before the end of his sentence. According to the prosecution, this raises doubts about the proper supervision of his probation.

Additionally, the prosecution pointed out that since Khalilov has not acquired a profession nor passed the B2-level Estonian language exam, he faces difficulties in the labor market, which also raises questions about his ability to fulfill his obligations.

However, Khalilov's defense attorney, Raiko Paas, found the prosecutor's reasoning to be unclear. He noted that according to existing court practice, the expiration of a residence permit is not an obstacle to early release, as the residence permit can be extended after release.

The court will issue its ruling on Sept. 3.

According to the charges, on the afternoon of June 20, 2020, Khalilov, driving a BMW X5, and Vjatšeslav Kalašnikov, driving a Chevrolet Camaro, began a drive from central Tallinn toward Lasnamäe. The men accelerated, speeding together along Pärnu Road to Narva Road, eventually reaching Laagna Road. Their speed reached 190-200 kilometers per hour.

Near the building at 13 Mustakivi Street, the Chevrolet drove past a Volvo passenger car. The BMW following the Chevrolet rear-ended the Volvo. As a result of the collision, the BMW then struck a Ford and subsequently a bus stop shelter, killing a woman waiting for a bus.

A total of five people were injured. A 61-year-old woman died at the scene, and a 39-year-old man died a day later in a hospital from his injuries. A woman who was a passenger in the Volvo fell into a coma and died a year later.