The Bronze Soldier in Tallinn. At its original location in May 2006.

The Bronze Soldier (Estonian: Pronkssõdur, Russian: Бронзовый Солдат), originally Monument to the Liberators of Tallinn (Estonian: Tallinna vabastajate monument, Russian: Монумент освободителям Таллина), sometimes called the Tõnismäe Monument or Alyosha, is a Soviet World War II war memorial in Tallinn, Estonia. The memorial was unveiled on September 22, 1947, three years after the Red Army entered Tallinn in 1944 during WWII. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 450 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1200 × 1600 pixel, file size: 422 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links No pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 450 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1200 × 1600 pixel, file size: 422 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links No pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file. ... Soviet redirects here. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... This memorial in England lists the names of soldiers who died in the First World War. ... County Area 159. ... is the 265th day of the year (266th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other organizations known as the Red Army, see Red Army (disambiguation). ... 1944 (MCMXLIV) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000...

The monument consists of a stonewall structure made of dolomite and a two meter (6.5ft) bronze statue of a soldier in a WWII-era Red Army military uniform. It was originally located in a small park (during the Soviet years called the Liberators' Square) on Tõnismägi in central Tallinn, above a small burial site of Soviet soldiers' remains reburied in April 1945. Dolostone is a sedimentary carbonate rock that contains a high percentage of the mineral dolomite. ... Assorted ancient Bronze castings found as part of a cache, probably intended for recycling. ... This article is about a military rank. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... For other organizations known as the Red Army, see Red Army (disambiguation). ... Tõnismägi (literally: St. ... Year 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar). ...

In April 2007, the Estonian government relocated the Bronze Soldier and, after exhumation and identification, the remains of the Soviet soldiers to the Defence Forces Cemetery of Tallinn. Different interpretations of history, also between the Russian Federation and Estonia, had led to a controversy, peaking with two nights of riots in Tallinn and besieging of the Estonian embassy in Moscow for a week. The events caught international attention and caused a multitude of political reactions. Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... The Council of Ministers of Estonia or The Government of the Republic of Estonia (Estonian: Vabariigi Valitsus) exercises executive power pursuant to the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Estonia. ... The Defence Forces Cemetery of Tallinn (Estonian: ), sometimes called the Tallinn Military Cemetery, is a military cemetery, situated c. ... Teamsters, armed with pipes, riot in a clash with riot police in the Minneapolis Teamsters Strike of 1934. ...

Preface

Historical background

See also: Estonia in World War II

On September 24, 1939, warships of the Red Navy appeared off Estonian ports and Soviet bombers began a threatening patrol over Tallinn and the nearby countryside.^[1] On June 12, 1940, the order for a total military blockade on Estonia was given to the Soviet Baltic Fleet.^[2][3] On June 16 1940, the Soviet Union invaded Estonia.^[4] After the German occupation 1941–1944, Soviet forces reconquered Estonia in the autumn of 1944 and Estonia remained a part of USSR until 1991. The Soviet authorities, having gained control over Estonia, immediately imposed a regime of terror. Estonian graveyards and monuments were destroyed. Among others, the Tallinn Military Cemetery (where to the Bronze Soldier was relocated in 2007) had the majority of gravestones from 1918–1944 destroyed by the Soviet authorities, and this graveyard became reused by the Red Army.^[5] Other cemeteries destroyed by the authorities during the Soviet era in Estonia include Baltic German cemeteries established in 1774 Kopli cemetery, Mõigu cemetery and the oldest cemetery in Tallinn, from 16th century, Kalamaja cemetery. Molotov signing the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact The fate of Estonia in World War II was decided by the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact and its Secret Additional Protocol of August 1939 between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. ... is the 267th day of the year (268th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1939 (MCMXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... County Area 159. ... is the 163rd day of the year (164th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1940 (MCMXL) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Russian Baltic Fleet sleeve ensign The Baltic Fleet (Russian: Балтийский флот, in the Soviet period - The Double Red Banner Baltic Fleet - Дважды Краснознамённый Балтийский флот) is located at the Baltic Sea and headquartered in Kaliningrad, the other major base is at Kronstadt, located in the Gulf of Finland. ... is the 167th day of the year (168th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1944 (MCMXLIV) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... The Defence Forces Cemetery of Tallinn (Estonian: ), sometimes called the Tallinn Military Cemetery, is one of the three cemeteries in Siselinna kalmistu (literally inner town cemetery). ... For other organizations known as the Red Army, see Red Army (disambiguation). ... The Baltic Germans (German: Deutsch-Balten, Deutschbalten, sometimes incorrectly Baltendeutsche), were ethnically German inhabitants of the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea which forms today the countries of Estonia and Latvia. ... The Kopli cemetery (in German - Friedhof von Ziegelskoppel) was Tallinns largest protestant Baltic German cemetery in the the suburb of Kopli. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Kalamaja cemetery (German: , Estonian: ) in Tallinn in Estonia was once the citys oldest cemetery, located in the suburb of Kalamaja in the north of the city. ...

Preceding monument

The Bronze Soldier monument replaced a preceding wooden memorial — a meter high wooden pyramid, which was about 20 centimetres in diameter, of a plain blue colour and its top decorated by a red star — that had been blown up in the night of May 8, 1946^[6] by two Estonian school girls, 14 year old Aili Jürgenson and 15 year old Ageeda Paavel who had done this, in their own words, as a revenge for Soviet atrocities. Both were later arrested by the NKVD and sent to the Gulag.^[7] is the 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1946 (MCMXLVI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Aili Jõgi (born Aili Jürgenson on May 25, 1931) is an Estonian nationalist who on May 8, 1946, together with her school friend Ageeda Paavel, blew up a Soviet grave monument (a wooden memorial topped with a star): the preceding monument to the Bronze Soldier in Tallinn. ... Ageeda Paavel (sometimes cited as Ageeda-Andrea Paavel) (born August 15, 1930) is an Estonian nationalist who on the night of May 8, 1946, together with her school friend Aili Jürgenson, blew up a Soviet grave monument (a wooden memorial topped with a star): the preceding monument to the... The NKVD (Narodny Komissariat Vnutrennikh Del  ) (Russian: , ) or Peoples Commissariat for Internal Affairs was the leading secret police organization of the Soviet Union that was responsible for political repressions during Stalinism. ... Gulag ( , Russian: ) was the government body responsible for administering prison camps across the former Soviet Union. ...

Building and design

Construction plan of the monument site from June 12, 1945

The Bronze Soldier monument, with its figure of a soldier against a stone background, was created in 1947 by the Estonian sculptor Enn Roos and supervising architect Arnold Alas.^[6] It was unveiled on September 22, 1947, on the third anniversary of the Soviet Red Army entering Tallinn in 1944. Originally intended as an official war memorial to Soviet soldiers who died fighting in World War II, an eternal flame was added in front of the monument in 1964. The Soviet liberation theme was changed when Estonia re-established independence in 1991, now stating "For those fallen in World War II"; at the same time the eternal flame was put out. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 594 pixelsFull resolution (1000 × 743 pixel, file size: 116 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Bronze Soldier of Tallinn ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 594 pixelsFull resolution (1000 × 743 pixel, file size: 116 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Bronze Soldier of Tallinn ... Enn Roos (September 28, 1908-July 15, 1990) was an Estonian sculptor. ... Arnold Alas (July 1, 1911-April 20, 1990) was an Estonian architect. ... is the 265th day of the year (266th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other organizations known as the Red Army, see Red Army (disambiguation). ... The eternal flame at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Sofia, Bulgaria Eternal Flame is also a song originally performed by The Bangles. ... Also Nintendo emulator: 1964 (emulator). ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ...

Prototype

The prototype for the face and figure of the statue is not known. It has been suggested to have been the Estonian 1936 Olympic gold medal wrestler Kristjan Palusalu, as there is a resemblance. The sculptor Enn Roos denied this and instead suggested that he used "a young worker who lived nearby", and there have been claims the worker he is referring to was a carpenter named Albert Johannes Adamson.^[6][8] On the other hand, Palusalu's daughter, Helle Palusalu, has confirmed that her father served as a model for the statue.^[9] Roos's denial could have been motivated by Palusalu's having defected from Soviet military and thus having fallen into disfavour by the Communist Party.^[10] The 1936 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XI Olympiad, were held in 1936 in Berlin, Germany. ... Wrestling is the act of physical engagement between two competitors competing for a physical advantage. ... Kristjan Palusalu (until 1935 Kristjan Trossmann, March 10, 1908-July 17, 1987) was an Estonian heavyweight wrestler and Olympic medalist. ...

Burial site

On September 25, 1944, the remains of two Soviet soldiers were buried in the center of the Tõnismägi hill, with additional remains of Soviet soldiers reburied there in April 1945.^[6] After the burial of the Red Army soldiers on Tõnismägi, the square was named Liberators’ Square on June 12, 1945 with the Bronze Soldier Monument added two years later. The exact number and names of the persons buried in the burial grounds under the monument had not been established with certainty before the excavations of 2007, although the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had ordered a comprehensive historical investigation in 2006.^[6] According to official records of the Military Commissariat of the Baltic Military District, however, the following 13 soldiers who fell during World War II were reburied in the grounds in April 1945: is the 268th day of the year (269th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1944 (MCMXLIV) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... Tõnismägi (literally: St. ... is the 163rd day of the year (164th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar). ...

• Lieutenant Colonel Mikhail Kulikov (Михаил Петрович Куликов) — commander of the 657th regiment, born in 1909 in Morshansk, Tambov Oblast. Killed on 22 September, 1944.
• Captain Ivan Sysoyev (Иван Михайлович Сысоев) — political commissar of the 657th regiment, born in 1909 in village Topsa, Arkhangelsk Oblast. Killed on 22 September, 1944.
• Gefreiter (Senior Private) Dmitri Belov — 125th division (killed in a battle 45 km from Tallinn in September 1944)
• Colonel Konstantin Kolesnikov (Константин Павлович Колесников) — second commander of 125th division (killed on 21 September, 1944 in a battle 45 km from Tallinn). Born in 1897 in Zhilaya Kosa, Stalingrad Oblast.
• Captain Ivan Serkov (Иван Степанович Серков) — chief of intelligence, 79th light artillery brigade (killed on 21 September, 1944, in a battle 45 km from Tallinn). Born in 1922, Ryazan Oblast.
• Major Vasili Kuznetsov (Василий Иванович Кузнецов) — commander of 1222nd artillery regiment. Born in 1908 in Ivanovo Oblast. Killed on 22 September 1944.
• Lieutenant Vasili Volkov (Василий Егорович Волков) — commander of mortar platoon (125th division). Born in 1923 in Kalinin Oblast. Killed on 22 September 1944.
• Captain Aleksei Bryantsev (Алексей Матвеевич Брянцев) — 125th division. Born in 1917 in Altai Krai. Killed on 22 September 1944.
• Sergeant Stepan Hapikalo (Степан Илларионович Хапикало) — tank commander of the 26th tank regiment (according to official military sources died of a disease^{[citation needed]}). Born in 1920 in Poltava Oblast. Died on 28 September 1944.
• First Sergeant, medic Jelena Varshavskaya (Елена Михайловна Варшавская) — division medical assistant of 40th Guard Mortars regiment (died 22 or 23 September 1944 in Tallinn). Born in 1925 in Poltava Oblast.
• Sergeant Aleksandr Grigorov — died 7 March 1945
• Lieutenant Colonel Kotelnikov — no information available
• Lieutenant I. Lukanov — no information available

According to the Estonian Ministry of Defence, remains of 12 persons had been exhumed by May 2, 2007 and would be reburied by the end of June 2007 at the same cemetery where to the statue had been relocated.^[11] Furthermore, the archaeologists performing the digs have confirmed that no more burials have taken place on the grounds of the monument. The Russian embassy and other former USSR states were asked to provide DNA samples for the identification of the buried bodies. Those persons who can be identified will be turned over to their relatives for reburial. The initial DNA analysis revealed 11 male and 1 female among those 12 found at the site. DNA profiles of all 12 were turned over to the embassy of the Russian Federation in Tallinn.^[12] Morshansk (Russian: Моршанск) is a town in the Tambov Oblast in Russia, located on the Tsna River (Okas basin) some 93 km north of Tambov. ... Tambov Oblast (Russian: ) is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast). ... A political commissar is an officer appointed by a government to oversee a unit of the military. ... Arkhangelsk Oblast (Russian: , Arkhangelskaya oblast) is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast). ... Volgograd Oblast (Russian: , Volgogradskaya oblast) is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast). ... Historically, artillery refers to any engine used for the discharge of projectiles during war. ... Year 1922 (MCMXXII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Ryazan Oblast (Russian: ) is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast). ... Ivanovo Oblast (Russian: )(21,400 km², pop. ... Tver Oblast (Russian: Тверска́я о́бласть) is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast). ... Altai Krai (Russian: ) is a federal subject of Russia (a krai) in the Siberian Federal District. ... Poltava Oblast (Полтавська область, Poltavs’ka oblast’ or Полтавщина, Poltavshchyna in Ukrainian) is an oblast (province) of central Ukraine. ... Poltava Oblast (Полтавська область, Poltavs’ka oblast’ or Полтавщина, Poltavshchyna in Ukrainian) is an oblast (province) of central Ukraine. ... May 2 is the 122nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (123rd in leap years). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

Controversy

Amid political controversy, in April 2007 the Government of Estonia started final preparations for the reburial of the remains and relocation of the statue, according to the political mandate received from the last elections (held in March 2007). Disagreement over the appropriateness of the action led to mass protests and riots (accompanied by looting) lasting 2 nights, the worst Estonia has seen.^[13][14] In the early morning hours of April 27, 2007, after the first night's rioting, the Government of Estonia decided, at an emergency meeting, to dismantle the monument immediately, referring to security concerns. By the following afternoon the stone structure had been dismantled as well. As of the afternoon of April 30, the statue without the stone structure had been placed at the Cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces in Tallinn.^[15][16] An opening ceremony for the relocated statue was held on May 8, VE Day.^[17][18] (Significantly, Red Army veterans celebrate Victory Day a day later, on May 9.) During June 2007 the stone structure was rebuilt. Relatives have made claims to bodies of four of the war dead. Unclaimed remains were reburied at the military cemetery, next to the relocated monument, on July 3, 2007.^{[19][20][21][22]} Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... The Council of Ministers of Estonia or The Government of the Republic of Estonia (Estonian: Vabariigi Valitsus) exercises executive power pursuant to the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Estonia. ... In politics, a mandate is the authority granted by an electorate to act as its representative. ... March 2007 is the third month of the year. ... Teamsters, armed with pipes, riot in a clash with riot police in the Minneapolis Teamsters Strike of 1934. ... Looting (which derives via the Hindi lut from Sanskrit lung, to rob), sacking, plundering, or pillaging is the indiscriminate taking of goods by force as part of a military or political victory, or during a catastrophe or riot, such as during war,[1] natural disaster,[2] or rioting. ... April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Defence Forces Cemetery of Tallinn (Estonian: ), sometimes called the Tallinn Military Cemetery, is a military cemetery, situated c. ... The Estonian Defence Forces consists of 5120 persons in uniform. ... is the 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Churchill waves to crowds in Whitehall on the day he broadcast to the nation that the war with Germany had been won, 8 May 1945. ... A veteran refers to a person who is experienced in a particular area, particularly referring to people in the armed forces. ... May 9, Soviet poster based on the famous photo of the Soviet flag being raised over the Reichstag in 1945. ... is the 129th day of the year (130th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 184th day of the year (185th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

The Bronze Soldier has significant symbolic value to Estonia's community of mostly ethnic Russian post-World War II immigrants, symbolising not only Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War, but also their claim to rights in Estonia.^[23][24] Many Estonians considered the Bronze Soldier a symbol of Soviet occupation and repression.^[24] The beginning of continuous Russian settlement in what is now Estonia dates back to the late 17th century when several thousand Russian Old Believers, escaping religious persecution in Russia, settled in areas then controlled by Sweden near the western coast of Lake Peipus. ... Nazi Germany, or the Third Reich, commonly refers to Germany in the years 1933–1945, when it was under the firm control of the totalitarian and fascist ideology of the Nazi Party, with the Führer Adolf Hitler as dictator. ... The Eastern Front1 was the theatre of combat between Nazi Germany and its allies against the Soviet Union during World War II. It was somewhat separate from the other theatres of the war, not only geographically, but also for its scale and ferocity. ... The occupation of Baltic states generally refers to the occupation of the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) by the Soviet Union or Nazi Germany during World War II, and to the Soviet presence in the Baltics from 1945 until the re-establishment of their independence. ...

Background

Interpretation of history

During Perestroika, the reassessment era of Soviet history in USSR, in 1989 the USSR condemned the 1939 secret protocol between Nazi Germany and itself that had led to the invasion and occupation of the three Baltic countries.^[25] The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the restoration Republic of Estonia's sovereignty (See History of Estonia: Regaining independence.) The mass deportations of ethnic Estonians during the Soviet era together with migration into Estonia from other parts of the Soviet Union resulted in the share of ethnic Estonians in the country decreasing from 88% in 1934 to 62% in 1989. ^[26](See Demographics of Estonia.) This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Molotov signs the German-Soviet non-aggression pact. ... “Sovereign” redirects here. ... The land area that now makes up Estonia was settled immediately after the Ice Age, beginning from around 8500 BC. After being conquered by Danish and German crusaders in 1227, Estonia was ruled initially in the north by Danes, then by German Bishops. ... The name Eesti, or Estonia, could be derived from the word Aestii, the name given by the ancient Germanic people to the peoples living northeast of the Vistula River. ...

Plaque on the building of Government of Estonia, Toompea, commemorating government members killed by communist terror

A night vigil at the monument by members of the Nochnoy Dozor group on April 25, 2007, one day before its removal.

According to the Government of Estonia ^[27], the European Court of Human Rights^[28], EU^[29], USA^[30] Estonia remained occupied by the Soviet Union until restoration of its independence in 1991 and the 48 years of Soviet occupation and annexation was never recognized as legal by the Western democracies. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... The Council of Ministers of Estonia or The Government of the Republic of Estonia (Estonian: Vabariigi Valitsus) exercises executive power pursuant to the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Estonia. ... Toompea is a hill in Tallinn centre. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1600 × 1200 pixel, file size: 466 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Bronze Soldier of Tallinn Metadata This... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1600 × 1200 pixel, file size: 466 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Bronze Soldier of Tallinn Metadata This... Night Watch supportes on vigil at the Bronze Soldier of Tallinn one day before its removal by Estonian officials Nochnoy Dozor (Russian: , Night Watch is an advocacy group made up mainly of Russians living in Estonia. ... is the 115th day of the year (116th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... The Council of Ministers of Estonia or The Government of the Republic of Estonia (Estonian: Vabariigi Valitsus) exercises executive power pursuant to the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Estonia. ... European Court of Human Rights building in Strasbourg The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), often referred to informally as the Strasbourg Court, was created to systematise the hearing of human rights complaints against States Parties to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, adopted by...

According to the European Court of Human Rights the lawful government of Estonia in 1940 was overthrown and Soviet rule was imposed by force. The totalitarian communist regime of the Soviet Union conducted large-scale and systematic actions against the Estonian population. ^[31] Elections were organized in which only Soviet-supported candidates were permitted to run ^[32] As reported by the Time Magazine In 1940: Those who had failed to have their passports stamped for voting Estonia into the USSR were allowed to be shot in the back of the head by Soviet tribunals,^[33] (Clockwise from upper left) Time magazine covers from May 7, 1945; July 25, 1969; December 31, 1999; September 14, 2001; and April 21, 2003. ...

At the same time, some commentators fear that Russia's insistence on pro-Soviet historical interpretations may signal an attempt to reclaim control over the "near abroad". ^[34]

A segment of the Russian-speaking population largely views Estonia's annexation into USSR as a legitimate process. The viewpoint is based on the official position of the Russian Federation^[35]. This segment tends to see the monument as a symbol of their purported right to live in Estonia as descendants of the "people that liberated the country from fascism".^[23]

The core of the controversy lies in the difference in those interpretations of the historical events during WWII and after. While integration efforts in everyday life of Estonia have mainly revolved around two issues: citizenship and language, the controversy has been further heated by alleged human rights violations and accusations of fascism by religious leaders and associations and the Government and media of Russian Federation.^{[36][37][38][39][40][41]} Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... Citizenship is membership in a political community (originally a city or town but now usually a country) and carries with it rights to political participation; a person having such membership is a citizen. ...

Further background

Further information: Estonia-Russia relations#Controversies

Further information: Estonia-Russia relations#Accusations of fascism

Further information: Estonia-Russia relations#Human rights concerns

Further information: Estonia-Russia relations#Language and citizenship issues

Estonia-Russia relations refers to the relationships between Estonia and Russia. ... Estonia-Russia relations refers to the relationships between Estonia and Russia. ... Estonia-Russia relations refers to the relationships between Estonia and Russia. ... Estonia-Russia relations refers to the relationships between Estonia and Russia. ...

Confrontation

The statue in May 2006, cordoned off by police after the confrontation during the celebration of Victory in Europe Day.

After the restoration of Estonian independence in 1991, a public controversy surrounded the memorial that grew into a direct confrontation about 2006–2007. The eternal flame was put down shortly after the Estonian redeclaration of independence.^[42] In 1994 the memorial underwent a reconstruction. Following the reopening the bronze headstones on the stone background and the protective barrier surrounding the memorial were removed^[43] Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1600 × 1200 pixel, file size: 447 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Bronze Soldier of Tallinn Metadata This... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1600 × 1200 pixel, file size: 447 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Bronze Soldier of Tallinn Metadata This... May 9, Soviet poster based on the famous photo of the Soviet flag being raised over the Reichstag in 1945. ... The eternal flame at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Sofia, Bulgaria Eternal Flame is also a song originally performed by The Bangles. ...

The World War II Red Army veterans and representatives of the Russian-speaking population in Estonia have continued to gather at the monument on certain dates, celebrating May 9 (Victory Day) and September 22 ("Liberation of Tallinn" in 1944). The display of Soviet flags and other Soviet symbols at these gatherings had offended many Estonians.^[44] is the 129th day of the year (130th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... May 9, Soviet poster based on the famous photo of the Soviet flag being raised over the Reichstag in 1945. ... is the 265th day of the year (266th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

A non-violent confrontation at the monument site took place on May 9, 2006, when a group of Estonians headed by Jüri Böhm approached the celebrating Red Army veterans. To preserve public order and out of security concerns, the police helped Böhm and his accompanying group to leave the area, along with their Estonian flag, and let the veterans' meeting with the Soviet symbols continue.^[45] On the next day, Estonian nationalist^[46] Jüri Liim said he would blow up the monument unless the authorities removed it promptly.^[47] In the same month, the tensions rose again and the police kept a 24-hour patrol in place, cordoning off the area until early September 2006.^[48] A small group of Estonian Russophones set up an organization called Nochnoy Dozor (Night Watch), calling for nightly guarding the monument from possible removal attempts.^[49] is the 129th day of the year (130th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Flag ratio: 7:11 Flag of the President. ... Look up Russophone in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Night Watch supportes on vigil at the Bronze Soldier of Tallinn one day before its removal by Estonian officials Nochnoy Dozor (Russian: , Night Watch is an advocacy group made up mainly of Russians living in Estonia. ...

Legislative preparations

War Graves Protection Act

On January 10, 2007, Riigikogu passed the War Graves Protection Act, with 66 votes in favour and 6 against^[50], initiated by the Estonian Reform Party, Social Democratic Party, Res Publica Party and Isamaaliit Party. The preamble of the Act states: January 10 is the 10th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state, and kogu, assembly) is the parliament of Estonia. ... The Estonian Reform Party (Estonian: Eesti Reformierakond) is a free market liberal party in Estonia. ...

"In observance and acknowledgement of the obligation of the Republic of Estonia to guarantee the protection, respect and dignified treatment of the remains of persons who have died in acts of war conducted on the territory of Estonia; finding that the burying of persons who have died in acts of war to unsuitable places is in discord with European culture and the tradition of honouring the memory and remains of the deceased; on the basis of Article 34 of the Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol 1) adopted on 8 June 1977, according to which the Estonian state is obliged to guarantee the respect of the remains and gravesites of persons who have died due to acts of war in the territory of Estonia, and the marking thereof, and in pursuance of which the Estonian state is entitled to rebury the remains on the basis of the public interest, the Riigikogu passes this Act." ^[51]

The Act came into force on January 20, 2007.^[52] Original document. ... January 20 is the 20th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

Estonia has mutual war grave protection treaties with Finland and Germany but not with Russia, giving special status to many war graves in Estonia but not the one on Tõnismägi. The War Graves Protection Act's major result was to codify the international customs and practices regarding the handling of war graves (see above) into country-unspecific terms, and to extend unilateral protection to war graves not covered by mutual international protection treaties. Most 20th century battles on Estonian soil having been fought by Soviet (largely ethnically-Russian), German, Estonian armies and a formation of the Finnish volunteers under Estonian command, almost all war graves in Estonia not covered by mutual treaties or earlier domestic laws are those of the Red Army. A war grave is a place where war dead are buried. ... For other organizations known as the Red Army, see Red Army (disambiguation). ...

Another effect of the law was that it placed all war graves under the jurisdiction of the Estonian Ministry of Defence. Tõnismägi being city land, municipal cooperation would have been necessary for exhumation and/or monument removal without such legislation.^[53][54] As non-citizen residents can vote in Estonian municipal elections and were largely in support of retaining the statue, the City Council of Tallinn has a large Russian representation and any approval was unlikely in the foreseeable future. The law eliminated the need to negotiate with the municipal government for war grave related business — specifically, exhumation of the buried bodies and, if the corpses would be found, relocation of the monument which would then be considered a grave marker.^{[original research?]}

Proposed Law on Forbidden Structures

On February 15, 2007, Riigikogu approved the Law on Forbidden Structures by 46 votes to 44. This would have banned the public display of monuments that glorify the Soviet Union or Estonia's fifty years of Bolshevism. The monument itself was specifically mentioned, to be dismantled within 30 days of the President signing this into law. However, President Toomas Hendrik Ilves vetoed the law, arguing that it did not comply with the constitution of Estonia (the only legal basis for a presidential veto under Estonian constitution).^[55] A veto override was never attempted and this bill did not become law.^[56][57] is the 46th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Bolshevik Party Meeting. ... Toomas Hendrik Ilves [IPA: toːmɑs hendrik ilves] (born December 26, 1953) is an Estonian politician. ... Flag of Estonia The Constitution of Estonia was adopted on 28 June 1992. ...

Public perception

The idea of relocation was controversial among inhabitants of Estonia. According to an opinion poll ordered by Eesti Päevaleht and performed by Turu-uuringute AS from 5 April through 22 April 2007 37% of respondents supported relocation of the monument, while 49% were against relocation and 14% had not formed any opinion on the subject. Relocation of the monument had slightly stronger support from native Estonian speakers — 49% in favour of relocation — while only 9% of native Russian speakers supported relocation.^[58][59][60] An opinion poll is a survey of opinion from a particular sample. ... Eesti Päevaleht is an Estonian newspaper. ... is the 95th day of the year (96th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 112th day of the year (113th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

According to a non-scientific poll by the daily newspaper Postimees on 25 April, when preparations for relocation had already begun, 85.12% of online readers taking part in the poll voiced their support for the relocation, 12.98% opposed it and the remaining were uncertain.^[61] Postimees (The Courier) is an Estonian newspaper. ... is the 115th day of the year (116th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Events surrounding relocation

Police cordoning off the statue on April 26, 2007. The sign says "archeological excavation".

Estonian Police cordoned off the square and nearby streets in the early morning of April 26, 2007, in preparation for archaeological excavations in search of the remains and, if found, their relocation.^[62] Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1600 × 1200 pixel, file size: 439 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Bronze Soldier of Tallinn Metadata This... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1600 × 1200 pixel, file size: 439 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Bronze Soldier of Tallinn Metadata This... is the 116th day of the year (117th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 116th day of the year (117th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

A tent structure was erected to shield the excavations from weather and from public view.^[63] Three members of the protest organization "Night Watch" (also sometimes translated as Night Vigil) who were monitoring the situation declined to leave the area and locked themselves in their car. The police had to break a side window of the car to extract them forcibly, causing slight shard wounds to one.^[64][65] Having been removed, Night Watch spread rumours that the monument removal procedure had started.^[66] After a few hours, around 1,000 people, mostly Russian-speaking, had surrounded the police cordon and some from the group attempted to break through it.^[67] Several meetings in protest of the removal were held. Around dusk, the mob turned more and more violent, starting to throw stones and empty bottles at the police.^[68] By around 21:15, the mob activity turned to what the police considered the first night's riot.^[69] Night Watch supportes on vigil at the Bronze Soldier of Tallinn one day before its removal by Estonian officials Nochnoy Dozor (Russian: , Night Watch is an advocacy group made up mainly of Russians living in Estonia. ... Night Watch supportes on vigil at the Bronze Soldier of Tallinn one day before its removal by Estonian officials Nochnoy Dozor (Russian: , Night Watch is an advocacy group made up mainly of Russians living in Estonia. ...

In the early morning of April 27, 2007, the Estonian government held an emergency meeting and at 3:40 a.m. local time, decided, upon advise from the Estonian Security Council, to relocate the monument immediately (as "the ground for violent acts"). Three hours later, by 6:40 a.m., the monument had been moved to an undisclosed provisional location.^{[70][71][72][73]} April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

The government stated that the statue would be re-erected as soon as possible in a military cemetery maintained by the Estonian Defence Forces.^[74] As of the afternoon of April 30 the statue without the stone structure had been re-erected.^[75][16] Reassembling the stone structure was delayed out of concerns over the æsthetic qualities of the site on reopening, as the stone structure's weight required a new foundation to be constructed out of concrete. This work began on 23 May^[76] and was estimated to be completed by the end of June.^[77] For the time of the construction work, the statue was temporarily moved to a nearby location on the cemetery. is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 143rd day of the year (144th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

An ecumenical religious ceremony (prayer for the dead) was held on April 28 before commencing the exhumation, by two chaplains, a Lutheran and an Orthodox. The Russian ambassador, having been invited to monitor the exhumation, or appoint an observer, officially declined the invitation.^[78][79] is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Riots and violence

Protests in downtown Tallinn after police cordoned off the streets around the memorial, driving protesters toward the city centre.

Burning kiosk, April 26, 2007.

Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1600 × 1200 pixel, file size: 476 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Bronze Soldier of Tallinn Metadata This... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1600 × 1200 pixel, file size: 476 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Bronze Soldier of Tallinn Metadata This... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1600 × 1200 pixel, file size: 467 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Bronze Soldier of Tallinn Metadata This... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1600 × 1200 pixel, file size: 467 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Bronze Soldier of Tallinn Metadata This... R-Kioski logo. ...

April 26 - April 27

Estonia's authorities report that the violence started around 21:20 (EEST, UTC+3), as the protesters started to assault the policemen.^[72][80] Riot police responded by applying fire extinguisher (sometimes erroneously reported as tear gas) to the crowd in attempt to indurse dispersion of the crowd.^[81] However, the crowd did not disperse and started committing acts of vandalism and rampant looting^[82][83] of nearby shops and buildings. By midnight the riots had spread around the centre of Tallinn, with massive damage to property — a total number of 99 cases of vandalism, including cars that had been turned upside down, broken and looted shop windows, pillaged bars and kiosks.^[84][85] Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) is one of the names of UTC+3 time zone, 3 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. ... Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is a high-precision atomic time standard. ... Fire extinguisher A fire extinguisher is a device used to put out a fire, often in an emergency situation. ... A riot control agent is a type of lachrymatory agent (or lacrimatory agent). ...

By 2 AM, things had calmed down a little; over 100 people had been arrested.^[86] At about half past two (AM), reports came in that mass riots had ended and now the police were only looking for fugitives. The last of the violent protesters were apparently taken away by a large passenger bus.^[87] By morning 300 people had been arrested. 57 people were injured, including 14 police officers. Dmitry Ganin (Russian national) died in a hospital from a stabbing wound, inflicted perhaps by a vandal.^[88] According to the officials, his death was not the result of police activity^[89], and the investigation continues^[90]. According to police report, goods stolen from some of the vandalised stores were found in pockets of Mr. Ganin.^[91]

Tallinn City Council suspended all strong alcohol retail licenses inside the city borders for a week.^[92] There were concerns, mostly in foreign media, that the protest may escalate into an ethnic conflict between Estonians and members of ethnic Russian minority.^[93] Kavkazcenter extremists even speculated that conflicts may spark a Russian armed resistance with support from FSB (the former KGB). ^[94] An ethnic war is a war between ethnic groups often as a result of ethnic nationalism. ... The Kavkaz Center is an Internet publication that claims to be a Chechen independent international Islamic internet agency. It was founded in March 1999 in the city of Grozny, by the National Center for Strategic Research and Political Technologies, headed by Movladi Udugov, former Minister of Information of the Chechen... Extremism is the act of taking a belief, political view or ideology to its most literal extreme. ... A resistance movement is a group or collection of individual groups, dedicated to fighting an invader in an occupied country or the government of a sovereign nation through either the use of physical force, or nonviolence. ... FSB The FSB (Federal Security Service) (Russian: ФСБ, Федера́льная слу́жба безопа́сности; Federalnaya Sluzhba Bezopasnosti) is a domestic state security agency of the Russian Federation and the main successor of the Soviet Cheka, NKVD, and KGB. Its headquarters are in Lubyanka Square, Moscow. ... This article is about the KGB of the Soviet Union. ...

April 27

The night of April 27 saw a recurrence in violence, with a second night of rioting. Rioters used Molotov cocktails while police responded with CS gas, rubber bullets and watercannons.^[13] Rioting and looting in a few towns of North East Estonia (mainly Jõhvi) with a majority of Russian speaking population, were also reported. ^[13] Estonian sources attributed the disruptions to youths consuming stolen alcohol. In all, some 1,000 people were detained in two nights of rioting. 156 were injured (including some two dozen police officers) and numerous stores, offices and homes were damaged. ^[95] As there had been too many arrests for the normal pre-trial detention centers, many suspects were taken to a hastily set up holding area in the Terminal D of the Tallinn Seaport.^{[96] [97]} Image File history File links WikiNews-Logo. ... Wikinews is a free-content news source and a project of the Wikimedia Foundation. ... Image File history File links WikiNews-Logo. ... Wikinews is a free-content news source and a project of the Wikimedia Foundation. ... April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ... Molotov cocktail is the generic name for a variety of crude incendiary weapons. ... CS or 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (also called o-Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile)(chemical formula: C10H5ClN2) is a substance that is used as a riot control agent and is claimed to be non-lethal. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Non-lethal round. ... Water cannon used against participants of demonstration A water cannon is a device that shoots a high-pressure stream of water. ... County Ida-Viru County Area 7. ...

April 28 - April 29

Calm was restored throughout the day and night of April 28 without further major incidents^[98], but police launched a campaign to take on "police assistance" volunteers, and by Sunday evening more than 700 persons had signed up and started training.^[99] is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

On April 28 a declaration by a self-named Army of Russian Resistance Kolyvan started circulating in Russian language Internet forums. The declaration called for "all Russian men living in Estonia" to take up arms. It demanded that Estonian citizenship be granted to all Estonian residents by May 3, threatening to start an armed resistance on May 9.^[100] At this time, it is not clear whether this group is the one described by the KavkazCenter report (see above) or is a copycat inspired by it. is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Kolyvan may refer to: Kolyvan, Novosibirsk Oblast, an urban-type settlement in Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia Kolyvan, Altai Krai, a village in Altai Krai, Russia Kolyvan, an ancient Russian name of todays Tallinn. ... is the 123rd day of the year (124th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... A resistance movement is a group or collection of individual groups, dedicated to fighting an invader in an occupied country or the government of a sovereign nation through either the use of physical force, or nonviolence. ... is the 129th day of the year (130th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The term copycat (also written as copy-cat or copy cat) refers to the tendency of humans to duplicate the behavior of others, as expressed in the saying, monkey see, monkey do. ...

April 30

No major incidents have been reported, but some vehicle drivers have tried to block the traffic in the center of Tallinn by intentionally driving at a slow speed and excessively using car horn.^[101] This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... County Area 159. ...

The Union of the Peoples of Estonia (Eestimaa Rahvuste Ühendus, an association of minority ethnicities living in Estonia) has published a declaration today,^[102] condemning vandalism and maraudery. Vandalism is the conspicuous defacement or destruction of a structure, a symbol or anything else that goes against the will of the owner/governing body. ...

A Russian State Duma delegation led by the former FSB Director Nikolay Kovalev has also arrived in Estonia, in what was described as a "fact finding mission".^[103] While still in Russia, the chairman of the delegation had already made a declaration, asking Estonia's government (led by Andrus Ansip) to step down.^[104] Sven Mikser, leader of the of foreign affairs' commission of the Riigikogu, who was one of the Estonian politicians to meet the Russian delegation, expressed his regret that the Russians had come with prejudices and had intervened in Estonia's internal affairs (e.g. by calling for Estonia's government to resign).^[105] Later in the day, the reappearance of the bronze soldier threw the Duma's fact finding mission off course, with delegation leader Kovalev saying that he hadn't been invited by the Estonian authorities to the ceremony at the military cemetery.^[106] For other uses, see State Duma (disambiguation). ... FSB The FSB (Federal Security Service) (Russian: ФСБ, Федера́льная слу́жба безопа́сности; Federalnaya Sluzhba Bezopasnosti) is a domestic state security agency of the Russian Federation and the main successor of the Soviet Cheka, NKVD, and KGB. Its headquarters are in Lubyanka Square, Moscow. ... Nikolai Dmitrievich Kovalev (Russian: ) (born 1949) was the former Director of the FSB from July 1996 to July 1998, and was succeeded by Vladimir Putin. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... A resignation is the formal act of giving up ones office or position. ... The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state, and kogu, assembly) is the parliament of Estonia. ...

There have been some voices that call for cabinet resignation among the Estonian public as well.^[107] The most aggressive criticism has been made by members of the Center Party, who were left out of the coalition talks during the recent elections.^[108] The Centre Party of Estonia (Eesti Keskerakond) is a left of centre, centrist, social liberal party in Estonia. ...

May 1

Russian State Duma delegation visited the new location of the statue, placed flowers and a wreath (a common symbol of remembrance of the dead in both Estonian and Northern Russian cultures) in front of the bronze soldier. The delegation members also closely examined the figure and claimed that it had been cut in pieces and reassembled.^[109] The Ministry of Defence denied those claims. "The lines on the statue are because of bronze casting technology and from the time the statue was created," said the press representative of Estonian Ministry of Defence. Those kind of statues are being made in several pieces and later assembled in one.^[110] A wreath is a ring made of flowers, leaves, and sometimes fruits, used as an ornament, hanging on a wall or door, or resting on a table. ... Casting may be used to create artistic sculptures Casting is a manufacturing process by which a molten material such as metal or plastic is introduced into a mold, allowed to solidify within the mold, and then ejected or broken out to make a fabricated part. ...

Estonia's Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the European Union has promised to help end a siege at the Estonian embassy in Moscow. Paet had spoken to his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier who "promised speedy assistance from the European Union to normalise the situation around the Estonian embassy in Moscow." Germany currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU.^[111] Urmas Paet (born April 20, 1974) is an Estonian politician and currently the Foreign Minister of Estonia. ... For other uses, see Moscow (disambiguation). ... Steinmeier and Condoleezza Rice in Berlin Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier (born 5 January 1956 in Detmold, Germany) is a German politician and, since November 22, 2005, Foreign Minister of Germany in the Grand Coalition of Angela Merkel. ...

The two-day visit by the Russian fact finding delegation was originally set up to defuse a diplomatic dispute over the Bronze Soldier statue, but it only appeared to have escalated the feud. After the initial developments during the delegation's visit, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet cancelled a meeting with the delegation, issuing a statement saying: "I will not meet with a delegation that spreads only lies regarding events in Estonia and whose objective is not the accurate portrayal of the situation, but rather election campaigning".^[112]

Claims of police brutality

The secretary of the Estonian Anti-Fascist Committee and at the same time the chairman of the Constitution Party Andrei Zarenkov claimed that as detention centers are overcrowded many of the detainees were taken to a cargo terminal in Tallinn seaport. "People were forced to squat for hours or lie on the concrete floor with their hands tied behind their backs. The police used plastic handcuffs which caused great pain," he said. "The security men selectively beat the detainees including women and teenagers. We have an account that they beat a 12-year-old girl lying on the floor for attempting to stand up. We have pictures of a toilet which is stained with the blood of the injured detainees," Zarenkov said. He said that all the accounts would be collected, documented and submitted to human rights groups.^[113] The Constitution Party (Konstitutsioonierakond), known until 11 February 2006 as the Estonian United Peoples Party (Eestimaa Ãœhendatud Rahvapartei/Obyedinnenaya Narodnaya Partiya Estonii), is a political party in Estonia, mainly supported by the Russian minority. ...

The police has denied the claims of the Anti-Fascist Committee. A spokesman for the northern police prefecture, Harrys Puusepp, refuted the charges of ill treatment of the detainees and also said that rumors of the resignation of police officers (see below) are untrue. "Nobody has beaten them. They have been treated politely. All amenities were provided for them and medical assistance was offered. Those who spent more than 12 hours in detention were supplied with meals," he said. ^[113]

The Estonian Chancellor of Justice has checked on these claims, visited all detention centres, and found no signs of violations of Constitution, nor any detainees who would support claims of police brutality^[114] or make complaints ^[115]. The Chancellor of Justice (Justitiekanslern) is a government official charged with representing the Swedish government in various legal matters. ...

As of May 22, 2007 the office of Procurator General of Estonia received more than fifty complaints on the police brutality, after checking the facts seven criminal cases against police have been opened^[116]. is the 142nd day of the year (143rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Procurator (Russian: , prokuror), an office initially created by Peter The Great of Russia in an effort to bring the Russian Orthodox Church more under his control. ...

On May 1 Finnish tabloid Iltalehti published an interview with German nationals Klaus and Lucas Dornemanns (65 and 35 years old) ^[117]. According to their story the Dornemanns were just walking in the area of Freedom Square when they were beaten and arrested by the police. However by their own later admission they attempted to cross the square between the lines of the security forces and demonstrators who were in a stand-off position. The son spent 8 hours in the terminal D and his 65-year old father 10 hours. According to them at least half of the detainees had no connection to the vandalism on the Tallinn streets. Still they were denied access to water and toilets, they were even forbidden to move. If anybody attempted to stand up they were beaten by the police^[117]. The article provides photograph of the Dornemanns showing large hematomas over their bodies. is the 121st day of the year (122nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Iltalehti is a daily tabloid newspaper and the third largest newspaper in Finland. ... Hematoma on an elbow, nine days after a blood sample was taken Hematoma on a forearm, one day after repeated shocks A hematoma, or haematoma, is a collection of blood, generally the result of hemorrhage, or, more specifically, internal bleeding. ...

Members of the special fact-finding mission of Russian Federation's Duma also visited the WCs of the detention area in temporary detention area in the D terminal of Port of Tallinn, looking for blood stains caused by beatings erroneously reported by some newspapers, and found none.^[118] For other uses, see State Duma (disambiguation). ...

Zarenkov also claimed that about 350 Russian-speaking police officers want to resign, or have already resigned, from Estonian police force so as not to participate in ostensibly violent actions to stop the unrest, such as mandatory beating of women and children.^[119] Such claims have been refuted by Estonian police.^[120]

A number of video clips, usually taken via cellphone camera, have appeared on Youtube under the keyword 'eSStonia', ostensibly to corroborate the police brutality claims.^[121] According to Estonian newspaper Eesti Päevaleht, most of them are mislabelled, apparently in an attempt to frame the incidents recorded in the clips in a pro-rioter way. For example, the clip labelled "eSStonia - Police car crushes pedestrians crowd" features no pedestrian-menacing cars.^[122] YouTube is a popular video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips. ... Eesti Päevaleht is an Estonian newspaper. ... In media studies, sociology and psychology, framing is a process of selective control over the individuals perception of the meanings attributed to words or phrases. ...

Situation at the Estonian embassy in Moscow

In the days following the relocation, the Estonian embassy in Moscow was besieged by protesters, including pro-Kremlin youth organisations Nashi and the Molodaya Gvardiya. For other uses, see Moscow (disambiguation). ... Nashi (Russian: , Youth Movement Ours!) is a Russian youth movement, officially announced by Vasily Yakemenko (leader of the pro-Putin Walking Together youth movement) on 1 March 2005, the founding conference was carried out on 15 April 2005. ... Young Guard may refer to one of the following The Young Guard (Napoleon), a French elite military unit during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte. ...

On Monday, April 30, Estonia's foreign minister Urmas Paet reported that "the situation had become much worse in the previous night.^[123] The building is by now completely blocked."^[124] Paet says that Estonia's foreign ministry had sent a note^[125] to Russia's foreign ministry, due to Russia's apparent unwillingness and impotency to defend the embassy building and its staff (which violates Diplomatic law, especially the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations). Estonia's foreign ministry claims that the life and health of the diplomats and their family members residing in Moscow have been directly threatened.^[126] This does not cite any references or sources. ... The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is an international treaty on diplomatic intercourse and the privileges and immunities of a diplomatic mission. ...

Estonia's president Toomas Hendrik Ilves expressed his astonishment that Russia has - despite the promises of foreign minister Lavrov - not taken actions to protect the diplomatic personnel. In Ilves' opinion, the ostensible powerlessness of Russia's defense services (e.g. Omon) is especially surprising, given their quick work when dispersing meetings of Russian opposition forces.^[127] Toomas Hendrik Ilves [IPA: toːmɑs hendrik ilves] (born December 26, 1953) is an Estonian politician. ... The OMON insignia OMON (Russian: Отряд милиции особого назначения; Otryad Militsii Osobogo Naznacheniya, Special Purpose Detachment of Militsiya) is a generic name for the system of special units of militsiya (state police) within the Russian and earlier the Soviet, Ministerstvo Vnutrennih Del (MVD; Ministry of Internal Affairs). ...

On the same day, members of the crowd protesting before the embassy declared that if Estonian authorities would not set a date for the restoration of the Bronze Soldier statue in its former prominent place, they would begin demolishing the Estonian embassy building on May 1st (traditionally also Labour Day, important in Russia and the former Soviet Union). The building itself was covered with graffiti and stones were thrown at it. May 1 is the 121st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (122nd in leap years). ...

During the night, protesters, both from pro-Putin and Communist parties, were playing and singing aloud famous Soviet war marches of the Red Army.^[128] They called the Estonians Fascists.^{[citation needed]} Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (Russian: ) (born October 7, 1952) is the current President of the Russian Federation. ... Communist Party supporters attend a May Day rally in Moscow The Communist Party of the Russian Federation (Russian: Коммунистическая партия Российской Федерации = КПРФ; translit. ... Soviet redirects here. ... Combatants Soviet Union,[1] Poland, Tannu Tuva (until 1944 incorporation with USSR), Mongolia Germany,[2] Italy (to 1943), Romania (to 1944), Finland (to 1944), Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Spain (to 1943, unofficial) Commanders Joseph Stalin, Aleksei Antonov, Ivan Konev, Rodion Malinovsky, Ivan Bagramyan, Kirill Meretskov, Ivan Petrov, Alexander Rodimtsev, Konstantin Rokossovsky... For other organizations known as the Red Army, see Red Army (disambiguation). ... Fascism (in Italian, fascismo), capitalized, was the authoritarian political movement which ruled Italy from 1922 to 1943 under the leadership of Benito Mussolini. ...

On May 2, the protesters attacked the Estonian ambassador, Marina Kaljurand, despite diplomatic immunity. The vehicle of the Swedish ambassador was also attacked. ^[129] Family members of the embassy staff have been evacuated^[130]. During the night of May 2 - May 3, the Estonian embassy in Moscow was stoned by unknown vandals; there were also protests around the embassy of Georgia (Georgia has expressed support for Estonia) ^[131]. May 2 is the 122nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (123rd in leap years). ...

On May 3, the ambassador Kaljurand left Moscow on a two-week vacation. The protesters ended their blockade the same day. There has been speculation that the vacation was suggested by Germany's Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (by means of behind-the-scenes realpolitik) to soothe Russian-Estonian tensions. ^[132] Steinmeier and Condoleezza Rice in Berlin Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier (born 5 January 1956 in Detmold, Germany) is a German politician and, since November 22, 2005, Foreign Minister of Germany in the Grand Coalition of Angela Merkel. ... Realpolitik (German: real (realistic, practical or actual) and Politik (politics)) is a term that is synonomous to Machiavellianism and is used to describe politics based on strictly practical rather than ideological notions, and practiced without any sentimental illusions. Realpolitik is usually used pejoratively as a term to imply politics imposed...

On May 1, Estonian foreign minister Urmas Paet suggested to consider calling off the upcoming EU-Russia Summit that was due to take place on 18 May): "We consider it necessary that the European Union react in the toughest way to Russia’s behavior. It might imply suspending or canceling various negotiations. Postponing the EU-Russia Summit should be seriously considered"^[133][134]. Paet stated that "the EU is under attack, because Russia is attacking Estonia." ^{[135] [136]}. Urmas Paet (born April 20, 1974) is an Estonian politician and currently the Foreign Minister of Estonia. ...

Spokesperson for German Chancellor Angela Merkel told that the summit will not be postponed, but European Commission said that a decision to raise the issue at the EU-Russia Summit depends on the development of the current situation^[135]. Commission spokesperson Christiane Hohmann said: "We share the concerns about the increasing violence around the Estonian embassy in Moscow and we strongly urge the Russian authorities to implement their obligations under the Vienna Convention for diplomatic relations."^[135]   (IPA: ) (b. ...

Threatened and alleged sanctions

On May 3, 2007, Russia suddenly announced plans for repairs to railway lines to Estonia, disrupting oil and coal exports to Estonia. As a result, oil companies scurried to secure alternative export routes. Normally Estonia's ports handle about a quarter of such shipments from Russia to world markets. Although Russia denied it was imposing economic sanctions or taking politically inspired action against Estonia, it is suspected that the sudden railway repair plan is connected to the row over the war memorial.^[137]

The Russian transport firm Severstaltrans says it is suspending construction of an $80m (£40m) car plant in Estonia.^[138] Severstal (RTS:CHMF MICEX:CHMF) Russian: Северсталь, Northern Steel) is a Russian company mainly operating in the steel and mining industry, centred in the northern city of Cherepovets. ...

Propaganda

Pro-rioter propaganda

During the events, a number of propaganda efforts were undertaken by various people and groups of people that served to muddy the issue, confuse the state of the monument, and inflame the pro-monument (mostly Russian-speaking) population^{[citation needed]}. Even before the first riot, rumours were circulated that under cover of the tent, the monument had been demolished and the war victims buried underneath thrown out as trash.^[139] These rumours were supported with a fake photo depicting the statue sawed off above feet.^[140] Picked up by Russian media, the rumors were sometimes falsely attributed as public statements of "Estonian government press service".^[141]

After the first night of rioting, the direction of the propaganda changed towards attempts to justify the rioting, declaring the rioters to be peaceful demonstrators and the arrested suspected vandals political prisoners, and making various accusations towards the government of Estonia. The Council of Ministers of Estonia or The Government of the Republic of Estonia (Estonian: Vabariigi Valitsus) exercises executive power pursuant to the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Estonia. ...

Leader of the Constitutional party Andrei Zarenkov claimed on Friday morning that the bones had already been dug up and thrown away and the statue cut to pieces and scrapped. He was sure, it was never going to be restored ^[142]. A day later the same man claimed that more than 350 ethnic Russian police officers have already or will be resigning shortly in protest to having to discipline rioters. These claims of his were soon refuted as outright lies by police officials^{[143][144][145]}

The State Infosystems' Development Center has evaluated the ongoing DDoS attack on Estonian government's and infrastructural Internet servers as being partly motivated by desire to suppress flow of information regarding the events from Estonia to other countries.^[146]

A number of video clips, usually taken via cellphone camera, have appeared on Youtube under the keyword 'eSStonia', ostensibly to corroborate the police brutality claims.^[147] According to Estonian newspaper Eesti Päevaleht, most of them are mislabelled, apparently in an attempt to frame the incidents recorded in the clips in a pro-rioter way. For example, the clip labelled "eSStonia - Police car crushes pedestrians crowd" features no pedestrian-menacing cars.^[148] YouTube is a popular video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips. ... Eesti Päevaleht is an Estonian newspaper. ... In media studies, sociology and psychology, framing is a process of selective control over the individuals perception of the meanings attributed to words or phrases. ...

Pro-rioter propaganda in Russia

Russian news sources have reported various rumours mentioned above as facts. This has caused confusion of the situation among people served by Russian-language media, and may have influenced the severity of the situation at the Estonian embassy in Moscow^{[citation needed]}. The Bronze Soldier in Tallinn. ...

Distinctly, many participants in the blockade believe that what were characterised as "riots" by Estonian official sources were actually a peaceful political demonstration and that Dmitri (also spelt Dmitry) Ganin, the man that died in the riots died through police brutality while attempting to defend the monument.^{[149][150][151]} He has been ceremonially declared a "hero of Russia" by activists involved in the blockade.^[152][153]

Dmitri Linter

A number of propagandistic claims were made by or about Dmitri Linter, a leader of Nochnoy Dozor, who is currently (as of June 16th, 2007) in court-sanctioned detention pending investigation into his role in organising the rioting. Dmitri Linter (Russian: ) (b. ... Night Watch supportes on vigil at the Bronze Soldier of Tallinn one day before its removal by Estonian officials Nochnoy Dozor (Russian: , Night Watch is an advocacy group made up mainly of Russians living in Estonia. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

In May 4th, Rambler-news reported that Mr. Linter had been taken by the Estonian law enforcement from the Mustamäe hospital under an intravenous line, and that his health and whereabouts had been withheld from his family since.^[154] These claim were soon refuted by the State Procurature, whose official release declares that "[Linter] was taken to the hospital because he claimed to have "various ills", he was given a full medical and declared healthy".^[155] Mustamäe is the second-largest district in Tallinn (Lasnamäe being the largest). ... Intravenous therapy or IV therapy is the giving of liquid substances directly into a vein. ...

Law enforcement response

The police are treating the riots as disorderly conduct (a misdemeanor under Estonian law) or severe disorderly conduct committed in a group (a felony under Estonian law), depending on the circumstances of any particular incident, and are proceeding accordingly. About 1,000 suspected rioters were arrested. Acts of vandalism and looting are treated separately, and processed as criminal incidents separate from the rioting. A misdemeanor, or misdemeanour, in many common law legal systems, is a lesser criminal act. ... For the record label, see Felony Records The term felony is a term used in common law systems for very serious crimes, whereas misdemeanors are considered to be less serious offenses. ...

Three men (Dmitri Linter, Max Reve and an 18-year old school boy Mark Sirők^[156])have been detained under a court order for up to 6 months, pending investigation of the suspicion of organising riots (a felony under Estonian law punishable of imprisonment of up to 5 years).^[157][158]. There were concerns about the health of Mark Sirők, who has Haemophilia, but his attorney stated that he had no complaints^[156]. Dmitri Linter (Russian: ) (b. ... For the record label, see Felony Records The term felony is a term used in common law systems for very serious crimes, whereas misdemeanors are considered to be less serious offenses. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Since the riots took place in the centre of the city, after hours of tension, many thousands of frames of photographic and video material of the events are available, both from journalists and security cameras and from witnesses among general public (who usually used cellphone cameras). The police have gathered a number of such photographs depicting unidentified suspects on a website at Identification of Persons (not available from outside Estonia while a foreign DDoS attack on Estonian government servers is underway^[159][160]) and asked the public to identify such unidentified people. A denial-of-service attack (also, DoS attack) is an attack on a computer system or network that causes a loss of service to users, typically the loss of network connectivity and services by consuming the bandwidth of the victim network or overloading the computational resources of the victim system. ...

The police have also called for rioters and looters to turn themselves in voluntarily.^[161] Aiding law enforcement in investigating one's own unlawful acts, including turning oneself in before an arrest warrant has been issued, is considered a meritorious deed and grounds for lessening punishment under Estonian law.

218 out of almost 300 vandals, who were arrested during events on 26.–28. April, had a previous criminal record^[162][163]. Among their previous crimes are 45 drug-related violations, 91 larcenies and 18 robberies ^[162].

Epilogue

Tõnismägi, former site of the monument, 27 May 2007

The former site of the monument and of the now-empty burial site being city property, the government's position is that it is the responsibility of Tallinn municipal government to decide what to do next with Tõnismägi hill, former location of the monument.^[164] On May 9, it was reported that, as agreed with the City Park Office, the Ministry of Defence is planting an enormous flower garden on the site, as a part of the post-exhumation restoration work mandated by the War Graves Act.^[165] On June 8, 2007, the Ministry of Defence announced a plan to replace the flowerbed with a permanent park complete with small trees.^[166] Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2048 × 1536 pixel, file size: 795 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2048 × 1536 pixel, file size: 795 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... is the 147th day of the year (148th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 129th day of the year (130th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 159th day of the year (160th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

Bodies transferred to the relatives

On June 14, 2007, successfully identified remains of captain Bryantsev were handed over to his relatives for reburial in Rostov oblast, Russia.^[167] This was the first of the twelve exhumed bodies to be returned to relatives. June 14 is the 165th day of the year (166th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Captain is a rank or title with various meanings. ... Flag of Rostov Oblast Rostov Oblast (Russian: , Rostovskaya oblast) is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast), located in the Southern Federal District. ...

As of July 3, 2007, three remains had been released to their relatives. Claims regarding a fourth, Master Sergeant Stepan Hapikalo, are pending arrival of his relatives, currently living in Ukraine, to Estonia for DNA analysis. The eight bodies so far unclaimed were reburied next to the new location of the monument on that day.^{[19][20][21][22]} is the 184th day of the year (185th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... United States Master Sergeant insignia U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant insignia U.S. Army Master Sergeant insignia U.S. Air Force A Master Sergeant is: the eighth enlisted rank in the United States Marine Corps, just above Gunnery Sergeant, below Master Gunnery Sergeant, Sergeant Major, and Sergeant Major of... The structure of part of a DNA double helix Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is a nucleic acid molecule that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms. ...

On July 4, 2007 remains of Yelena Varshavskaya were reburied at the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem in the world's oldest Jewish cemetery. The reburial was conducted by Russia's Chief Rabbi Berl Lazar.^[168] is the 185th day of the year (186th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... The Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the Old City The Mount of Olives (also Mount Olivet, Hebrew: ‎, Har HaZeitim; Arabic: ‎, Jebel ez-Zeitun, Jebel et-Tur, Mount of the Summit) is a mountain ridge to the east of Jerusalem. ... For other uses, see Jerusalem (disambiguation). ... The word Jew ( Hebrew: יהודי) is used in a wide number of ways, but generally refers to a follower of the Jewish faith, a child of a Jewish mother, or someone of Jewish descent with a connection to Jewish culture or ethnicity and often a combination... For the town in Italy, see Rabbi, Italy. ...

Reburial of unclaimed bodies

Eight of the exhumed remains — those unclaimed so far — were reburied at the military cemetery, next to the relocated monument, on July 3, 2007, in presence of the Estonian minister of defence, other officials, and dozens of diplomats, as well as various press representatives.^{[19][20][21][22]} A military attaché of the Russian embassy, Aleksandr Trojan, was reported as observing the event from the crowd.^[169] The Russian ambassador to Estonia, Nikolay Uspensky, declined invitation to attend, as an expression of Russia's highest-level disapproval of "demounting the monument, the exhumation, and the accompanying attempts to revise history to suit political conjuncture".^[169] However, he attended a religious memorial service for the fallen, held by the head of the Estonian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate, three hours after the reburial.^[170] is the 184th day of the year (185th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... A military attaché is a military expert who is part of a diplomatic mission. ... The Estonian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate (Moskva Patriarhaadi Eesti Őigeusu Kirik) is an exarchate of the Patriarchate of Moscow whose primate is confirmed by the Most Holy Patriarch of Moscow. ...

The pillager trials

On June 27, 2007, the media reported of the first batch of trials involving the prosecutors requesting non-suspended sentences.^[171] Jevgeni Kazakov, 21, who was infamously pictured as the gleeful looter clutching a half-liter bottle of Sprite, a pack of Orbit chewing gum and two packs of Libresse female sanitary pads, was convicted through the negotiation procedure (comparable to plea bargain of common law legal systems) on June 27, 2007 and sentenced to one year in prison, with two months to be served immediately and the rest suspended for 18 months.^[172] is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Look up trial in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... A plea bargain (also plea agreement, plea deal or copping a plea) is an agreement in a criminal case in which a prosecutor and a defendant arrange to settle the case against the defendant. ... This article concerns the common-law legal system, as contrasted with the civil law legal system; for other meanings of the term, within the field of law, see common law (disambiguation). ... is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

On June 26, 2007, the media reported that Artur Kivik, 19, was sentenced to 2 month "shock incarceration". Sven Anniko, 18, was sentenced to one year in prison suspended for 3 years. Raido, 20, had been convicted and have to pay fine of 2000 EEK. Both Sven and Raido participated in looting of Hugo Boss store and stole some wine from convenience store.^[173] is the 177th day of the year (178th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

Another accused looter, one 23-year-old Jevgeni (last name not published), reached an agreement of conviction and sentence of immediate one-year imprisonment with the prosecutor, but withdrew from it in front of judge.^[174] He had a suspended four-year imprisonment from an earlier conviction; this agreed conviction would have brought him a total of five years immediate real imprisonment.^[174] According to the Estonian laws regarding criminal proceedings, his case will now be reviewed by the prosecutor and investigators, and will likely go to a full trial afterwards.

A vandal, Sergei Dolgov, who has no Estonian citizenship but had been convicted before, was convicted in the felony of violation of public order during rioting, over throwing rocks at policemen and vandalising lawn in front of Estonian National Library. He was sentenced to one year of imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.^[175]

As of August 2007, the harshest sentence has been that of Vjatšeslav Zjunin, who was sentenced to a year of real imprisonment for looting and had an outstanding suspended sentence from an earlier conviction. Most vandals and looters have been sentenced to community service or relatively small fines, however.^[176]

Myths

A number of myths about the statue, and more importantly, about events surrounding its removal, have arisen.

Military foothold over government; excessive secrecy

Some people insinuate or assert that excessive secrecy was involved in removal of the monument^{[citation needed]}, often adding that the removal was "planned" by the Government's Security Council (translated variously to English).^{[citation needed]} Such claims are usually backed by [11] and other reports of the same event. This article reports that the Security Council had discussed removal of the monument, but there are no implications about the Security Council being a primary mover behind the planning. (It should be noted that the Security Council, being a part of the executive branch of Estonian government, can not pass laws such as the War Graves Act; its role in law-making is restricted to proposing laws.) Furthermore, the article reports that in response to journalists' more detailed questions regarding the meeting, the Government's Communications Office declared that everything discussed in the Security Council would be considered confidential, and refused further comment. It is standard practice of Estonian government and is applied to all kinds of journalistic enquiries about privileged information; a well-known recent example is refusal of public comments on the discussion with Russian ambassador to Estonia. An innuendo is a figure of speech which indicates an indirect or subtle, usually derogatory implication in expression; an insinuation. ... In computer programming, an assertion is a programming language construct which immediately aborts program execution if a certain condition or expression is false (an assertion failure). It is used by programmers during development to check for potential errors or bugs. ... The executive is the branch of a government charged with implementing, or executing, the law and running the day-to-day affairs of the government or state. ...

Echoes

"Estonians and dogs are not allowed", set on the background of the Ribbon of Saint George, widely associated with the commemoration of World War II in Russia. Racist sign which stood several days on a restaurant entrance in Yaroslavl, Russia. [9], [10]

On June 4, 2007, three members of the Nashi movement, clothed in tent coats, proceeded to stand in for the Bronze Soldier in its former location. Estonian authorities responded by cancelling their tourism visas for non-tourism activities and deported all three to Russia.^[177] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... The pattern is thought to symbolise fire and gunpowder. ... Racism is a belief or concept that inherent differences between people, in particular those upon which the concept of race is based, significantly influence cultural or individual achievement, and may involve the idea that ones self-identified race or ethnic group or others race or ethnic group is superior. ... Yaroslavl (Russian: ) is a city in Russia, the administrative center of Yaroslavl Oblast, located 250 km north-east of Moscow at . ... June 4 is the 155th day of the year (156th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Nashi (Russian: , Youth Movement Ours!) is a Russian youth movement, officially announced by Vasily Yakemenko (leader of the pro-Putin Walking Together youth movement) on 1 March 2005, the founding conference was carried out on 15 April 2005. ...

On June 14, 2007, Russian authorities expressed concern of the discrepancy between a 13-member list of burials and only 12 exhumed bodies, accusing Estonian archeologists of losing the thirteenth body.^[178] Estonian government has refuted the claims, based on the dig's final report concluding there were no more burials in this area, and instead proposed that captain Sysoyev was mistakenly added to the 13-member list in the postwar confusion. June 14 is the 165th day of the year (166th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

On July 4, 2007, in a speech delivered as a part of reburial of remains of Yelena Varshavskaya at Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, Russia's Chief Rabbi Berl Lazar, who conducted her reburial, denounced statements describing the Soviet soldiers as occupants.^[179] is the 185th day of the year (186th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

Political reaction

 Estonia — President Toomas Hendrik Ilves appealed for calm and denounced the rioters as "criminals" due to the damage they had caused: Image File history File links Flag_of_Estonia. ... Toomas Hendrik Ilves [IPA: toːmÉ‘s hendrik ilves] (born December 26, 1953) is an Estonian politician. ...

"All this had nothing to do with the inviolability of graves or keeping alive the memory of men fallen in World War II"… "The common denominator of last night’s criminals was not their nationality, but their desire to riot, vandalize and plunder".^[180]

 Estonia — Prime Minister Andrus Ansip said in a televised address, in Estonian and Russian, that he was forced to remove the statue after the first riots on Thursday night. He said the statue was under police guard and was safe. It and any remains would be moved to a military cemetery. Image File history File links Flag_of_Estonia. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

"We must not let the sowers of hatred become the ones to split the nation or to plant prejudice," he said. "All nationalities were respected" ... "but violence was not". The memory of dead soldiers was not served when "a picture of a drunk shoplifter is being shown all over the world." ^[181]

 Estonia — Mayor Edgar Savisaar of the City of Tallinn has expressed concern that removal of the monument might have constituted a breach of city property rights and have violated the Constitution of Estonia.^[182] As of May 10, no known legal claims to the effect have been made by the City of Tallinn against the Ministry of Defence, or the Government of the Republic of Estonia, neither through courts of law nor through the Justice Chancellor. Image File history File links Flag_of_Estonia. ... Edgar Savisaar Edgar Savisaar (born May 31, 1950 in Harku Commune, Harju County), is an Estonian politician and the leader of the Centre Party. ... County Area 159. ... Flag of Estonia The Constitution of Estonia was adopted on 28 June 1992. ... is the 130th day of the year (131st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

 Russia — Belittling the WWII heroes' feats and desecrating monuments erected in their memory leads to discord and mistrust between countries and peoples, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said on Victory Day. "Those who try to belittle that priceless experience and desecrate monuments to war heroes today insult their own nations as well and sow discord and new mistrust between countries and peoples," Putin said at a parade on Red Square marking the 62nd anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.^[183] Image File history File links Flag_of_Russia. ...

 Russia — The Federation Council, on April 27, approved a statement concerning the monument, which urges the Russian authorities to take the "toughest possible measures" against Estonia: Image File history File links Flag_of_Russia. ... Federation Council of Russia (Russian: ; Sovet Federatsii) is the upper house of the Federal Assembly of Russia (parliament of the Russian Federation), according to the 1993 Constitution of the Russian Federation. ... April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ...

The dismantling of the monument on the eve of Victory Day on May 9 is "just one aspect of the policy, disastrous for Estonians, being conducted by provincial zealots of Nazism,"… "These admirers of Nazism forget that politicians come and go, while the peoples in neighboring countries are neighbors for eternity. The dismantling of the monument and the mockery of the remains of the fallen soldiers is just more evidence of the vengeful policy toward Russians living in Estonia and toward Russia".^[184]

 Russia — First Deputy Prime Minister Sergey Ivanov said that adequate measures, primarily, economic ones, should be taken against Estonia: Image File history File links Flag_of_Russia. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

"In particular, Russia must speed up the construction of modern ports on Russian territory on the Baltic Sea, in the towns of Ust-Luga, Primorsk and Vysotsk. Thereby, we will handle our own cargo flow and not allow other countries, including Estonia, to benefit from its transit. I have already ordered and instructed the Minister of Transport accordingly."^[185] Ust-Luga (Russian: , lit. ... Primorsk is the name of several towns and regions in Russia and Ukraine: Primorsk, Kaliningrad Oblast, a town in Russia Primorsk, a town in Volgograd Oblast in Russia Primorsk, a town in Leningrad Oblast in Russia Primorsk, a town in Zaporizhia Oblast in Ukraine Primorsky Krai, an administrative unit of... Vysotsk (Russian: , Finnish: ) is a coastal town in Leningrad Oblast, Russia, located 12 km south-west of Vyborg and 159 km north-west of St. ...

 European Union — Although the EU has not issued an official statement, foreign policy chief Javier Solana has voiced support for Estonia and denounced violence in the wake of a night of unrest in Tallinn: Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Javier Solana Madariaga (born July 14, 1942 in Madrid, Spain) is the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Secretary-General of both the Council of the European Union (EU) and the Western European Union (WEU). ...

"Solana phoned President Toomas Hendrik Ilves today and said the EU understands and supports Estonia", the president's adviser Toomas Sildam said.^[186] Toomas Hendrik Ilves [IPA: toːmɑs hendrik ilves] (born December 26, 1953) is an Estonian politician. ...

 Serbia - On May 3, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia issued a statement: Image File history File links Flag_of_Serbia. ... Anthem Serbia() on the European continent() Capital (and largest city) Belgrade Official languages Serbian 1 Recognised regional languages Hungarian, Croatian, Slovak, Romanian, Rusyn 2 Albanian 3 Government Semi-presidential republic  -  President Boris Tadić  -  Prime Minister Vojislav KoÅ¡tunica Establishment  -  Formation 812   -  Kingdom established 1217   -  Empire established 1346   -  Independence lost to...

"The future of Europe is also based on full commitment to shared and best pages of European history, whereas the victory over Nazism and fascism more than half a century ago undoubtedly ranks among those pages deserving lasting admiration among all in Europe and in the world."

Condemning the unilateral action by Estonian authorities on the eve of 9 May as contrary to this commitment, it states: "The highest respect for such monuments in today’s Germany is noteworthy. We in Serbia shall forever place flowers on the graves of the Red Army soldiers fallen in the battles for the liberation of Serbia and Belgrade from Nazi occupiers. We shall do so also on 9 May this year."^[187]

 European Union — On May 2, EU demanded Russia to implement the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and secure proper protection for the Estonian embassy in Moscow. EuroCommission spokesperson Christiana Homan said: Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ...

We share the concern about the growing tension around Estonia’s embassy, and demand that Russian authorities implement their obligations within the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,^[188]

 European Union — On May 9 (Europe Day), the Estonia-Russia relations were discussed at the European Parliament. Several members of the Parliament expressed their support for Estonia. E.g. Brian Crowley said Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Established 1952, as the Common Assembly President Hans-Gert Pöttering (EPP) Since 16 January 2007 Vice-Presidents 14 Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (EPP) Alejo Vidal-Quadras (EPP) Gérard Onesta (Greens – EFA) Edward McMillan-Scott (ED) Mario Mauro (EPP) Miguel Angel Martínez Martínez (PES) Luigi Cocilovo (ALDE) Mechtild... Brian Crowley is an Irish politician and Member of the European Parliament for Ireland South. ...

I would like to join my colleagues in firstly giving our solidarity and support to the Estonian Government and to the Estonian people and, secondly, in denouncing the bully-boy tactics of the Russian Government in what they have attempted to create - the uncertainty and instability, not only within Estonia but in all the Baltic States. In many ways what we are witnessing is a new form of totalitarianism or authoritarianism by utilisation of mobs in Moscow to attack an Embassy, by utilising the power or strength of energy to try and make people kneel to the influence of the Russian Government and, most importantly of all, by a continuing desire to keep imposing symbols of domination and of subjugation in areas that have gained their independence from totalitarian regimes. Finally, may I say, a most ardent call should go out to the citizens of Estonia to show them that now that they are part of the European Union, they will not be abandoned as they were abandoned previously. ^[189]

On 10th of May the EU parliament adopted by a great majority a formal resolution criticizing Russia's human rights record. Estonia's question centered the debate with MEPs representing various political groups showing strong support for Estonia. Joseph Daul, leader of the biggest European party EPP-DE claimed that the EU is united with regard to the issue:

"today, we are all Estonians"

^[190]

 Belarus — On April 27, Belarusian MFA Press Secretary Andrei Popov in his Comments on the Events in Estonia said that Image File history File links Flag_of_Belarus. ...

"Belarus is the country that lost every third of its citizens during the Second World War. Any outrage upon the memory of the victims of that war causes us the sentiments of deep indignation and regret. ... We believe that today it is obvious to everybody that the irresponsible actions of the authorities were the major cause for such dramatic events. We regret that the Estonian leadership has failed to have enough political wisdom not to fight the dead. ... We are also outraged with the unjustified and brutal use of force by the Estonian police towards peaceful demonstrators that led to escalated violence and unrest in the Estonian capital." ^[191]

 NATO - NATO statement on Estonia: Image File history File links Flag_of_NATO.svg The flag of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). ... NATO 2002 Summit in Prague. ...

NATO is deeply concerned by threats to the physical safety of Estonian diplomatic staff, including the Ambassador, in Moscow, as well as intimidation at the Estonian Embassy. These actions are unacceptable, and must be stopped immediately; tensions over the Soviet war memorial and graves in Estonia must be resolved diplomatically between the two countries. NATO urges the Russian authorities to implement their obligations under the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. ^[192] NATO 2002 Summit in Prague. ...

 UN — UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on Russia and Estonia to resolve their dispute over the removal of a Soviet war memorial from the Estonian capital: Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_Nations. ... The foundation of the U.N. The United Nations (UN) is an international organization whose stated aims are to facilitate co-operation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress and human rights issues. ... Ban Ki-moon (Hangul: 반기문, Hanja: 潘基文, RR: Ban Gi-mun, M-R: Pan Kimun, IPA pronunciation: ) (born June 13, 1944 in Eumseong, North Chungcheong, Korea[1]) is a South Korean diplomat and the current Secretary-General of the United Nations. ...

The Secretary-General regrets the violence and the loss of life in Tallinn, Estonia. He appeals to all concerned to deal with the issues at hand in a spirit of respect and conciliation.^[193]

 Latvia — The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs "strongly condemns acts of vandalism in Tallinn which took place over night between 26 and 27 April" according to their press release: Image File history File links Flag_of_Latvia. ...

"In a democratic country, any group of society which disagrees with government decisions is free to express its own opinion, however, it must not violate the law. Acts of vandalism which pose a threat to the life and health of people and damage and destroy property have nothing in common with the democratic forms of protest."^[194]

 Lithuania — President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus announced that Lithuania is concerned and watching over the events in Tallinn and that it fully supports the positions of the Estonian government. Image File history File links Flag_of_Lithuania. ... President Valdas Adamkus Valdas Adamkus (born Valdemaras Adamkevičius on November 3, 1926) is the current President of the Republic of Lithuania. ...

"There is no doubt that respect should be shown to the memory of the fallen soldiers. However, the Soviet Army didn't bring freedom to the Baltic states, so can we blame Estonia if the Soviet soldiers' remains from a central Tallinn square are reinterred in another cemetery? ^[195] "

 Lithuania — Lithuanian Sejm unanimously passed a statement in Estonia’s support, calling Russia’s response to the Bronze Soldier’s removal an: Image File history File links Flag_of_Lithuania. ...

"interference into Estonia’s domestic affairs”. “Considering the events in Tallinn, and the interior and international tension they caused, Sejm of Lithuania stands together with the Estonian government on the issue of moving the monument to Soviet soldiers from the center of Estonia’s capital to a war memorial,"^[196]

 Finland — Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen noted that the "...demonstrations and riots are of course an interior matter of Estonia," in an interview given to television: Image File history File links Flag_of_Finland. ... The Prime Minister (Finnish Pääministeri, Swedish: Statsminister) is the head of government in Finland. ... Matti Taneli Vanhanen ( ) (born November 4, 1955, in Jyväskylä) is the current Prime Minister of Finland, as well as Chairman of the Centre Party. ...

"Finland nor other countries do not have to get involved. As they are occurring in an area near Finland, then we will of course keep a very close eye on them."^[197]

"It is not part of international etiquette for politicians to request the resignation of a foreign government's ministry, it just doesn't suit"^[198]

 Poland — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, hoping that clashes in Estonia would calm down. The ministry also called on the European Union to show support for Estonia, saying: Image File history File links Flag_of_Poland. ...

"[Estonia] should not be left to stand alone" ... "Yet again the difficult history is casting a shadow on relations between states and nations and ethnic groups".^[199]

 Poland — President Lech Kaczynski held a two telephone conversations with Estonian President Toomas Ilves, during which he expressed support for actions made by Estonian authorities and declared Poland will make appropriate actions within European Union to support Estonia. Among other topics, conversation also involved the situation of Estonian Embassy in Moscow.^[200]. Image File history File links Flag_of_Poland. ... Lech Kaczynski, President of Warsaw; leader of Law and Justice Party Lech Kaczyński (born: 18th June 1949, Warsaw) is a Polish politician, and together with his twin brother Jarosław Kaczyński a leader of Prawo i Sprawiedliwość (Law and Justice) party. ...

 Poland - The Polish Minister of Culture Kazimierz Ujazdowski has confirmed on 30th of April that symbols of the communist dictatorship will be removed from the streets all over the country. He said that, on May 15, a new law will go into effect that will make it easier for local authorities to remove communist symbols ^[201]. However, this law will not apply to cemeteries. ^[202] Image File history File links Flag_of_Poland. ... Kazimierz Ujazdowski is a Polish politician and member of the Prawo i Sprawiedliwość (Law and Justice) party. ...

 Germany — Although Germany has not issued an official statement, Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat reported that German Chancellor Angela Merkel phoned both Andrus Ansip and Vladimir Putin and asked that the parliaments of the two countries start discussions over the conflict.^[203] Image File history File links Flag_of_Germany. ... Helsingin Sanomat is the biggest subscription newspaper in Finland. ... For other uses, see Chancellor (disambiguation). ...   (IPA: ) (b. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (Russian: ) (born October 7, 1952) is the current President of the Russian Federation. ...

 Ukraine — On May 1, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk in his comments on the situation, which emerged following dismantling of the memorial of the Soldier Liberator in the centre of Tallinn, said that "Ukraine advocates the soonest resolution of temporary misunderstandings in bilateral relations of Russia and Estonia." Arseniy Yatsenyuk stressed the necessity to hold procedure of removal of the memorial in accordance with existing standards, rendering the necessary honours to soldiers of the Second World War. At the same time he urged to respect position of Estonian authorities as well.^[204] Image File history File links Flag_of_Ukraine. ... Arseniy Petrovych Yatsenyuk (Ukrainian: ) (born May 22, 1974 in Chernivtsi, Ukraine) is a Ukrainian politician, economist, and lawyer. ...

 Sweden — Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt said that what is happening in Estonia is an internal matter and that the outcome forms an intricate part of Estonia's independence. He has faith in the Estonians to sort it out and believes it to be important that they do so themselves, without international interference. ^{[205] [206] [207] [208]} Carl Bildt also pointed out that he "understands why the popular reaction about the statue has been so sharp": Image File history File links Flag_of_Sweden. ...   (born July 15, 1949) is a Swedish politician and diplomat, currently serving as Minister for Foreign Affairs in the cabinet of Fredrik Reinfeldt. ...

"If somebody had erected a statue of King Christian the Tyrant in Stockholm 500 years after [the Stockholm Bloodbath of 1520], it would also have been a subject of controversy.^[209] Christian II (July 2, 1481 – January 25, 1559) was a Danish monarch and King of Denmark, Norway (1513 – 1523) and Sweden (1520 – 1521), under the Kalmar Union. ... For other uses, see Stockholm (disambiguation). ... Stockholm Bloodbath - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ...

 Norway — Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced that both sides should stop the violence and start respecting each other.^[210] Image File history File links Flag_of_Norway. ... Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oslo Categories: | ... Jonas Gahr Støre Jonas Gahr Støre (born August 25, 1960) is the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs. ...

 Kyrgyzstan — On April 27 the Kyrgyz Parliament condemned the dismantling of the monument, calling it "an act against history." ^{[211][citation needed]} Image File history File links Flag_of_Kyrgyzstan. ...

 United States - On May 2, USA's State Department released a press statement, stating that "[d]ecisions on placement of the memorial to soldiers who died fighting the Nazis in World War II belong to the Estonian government" and expressing concern about continuing reports of violence and harassment, including harassment of Estonian diplomatic personnel and premises in Moscow.^[212] Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The United States Department of State, often referred to as the State Department, is the Cabinet-level foreign affairs agency of the United States government, equivalent to foreign ministries in other countries. ...

 United States - On May 3, the United States Senate expressed "its strong support for Estonia as a sovereign state and a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as it deals with matters internal to its country".^[213] Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ...

 Georgia - Georgia expressed support to Estonia: Image File history File links Flag_of_Georgia. ...

The Georgian Parliament passed a resolution on May 8th condemning the attempts to provoke riots and facts of hooliganism in the streets of Estonian towns following a row over the relocation of a Soviet memorial in Tallinn. The resolution also condemned violent actions against the Estonian diplomats carried out protesters outside the Estonian embassy in Moscow. The Georgian Parliament fully supports measures undertaken by the Estonian authorities to restore order,” the resolution reads. ^[214]

“Georgia also categorically condemns Russia’s inability to end assaults on the Estonian embassy in Moscow and on the Estonian Ambassador”

according to Georgian Parliament’s speaker Nino Burjanadze, who added that Russia’s constant intervention into Estonia’s domestic affairs violates international conventions^[196][215]

 EstoniaResponding to the Vladimir Putin statement, Estonian PM Andrus Ansip claimed that by referring to desecration Mr Putin may have meant the monument to the Soviet WWII fighter pilots, removed along with the graves by the local administration of Moscow suburb Khimki just prior to Estonia's events ^[216]. Remains from Khimki memorial had been reburied with military honours several days before both Putin's and Ansip's statements^[217]. Image File history File links Flag_of_Estonia. ... Khimki War Memorial was a memorial for six Soviet pilots in Khimki, Russia. ...

 Israel — Shimon Peres, at that time vice premier, currently President of Israel, noted that the matter was "Estonia's internal matter, and foreigners should be careful with their comments about it," to journalists when visiting Tallinn to inaugurate a synagogue. He also noted that "The government has handled it with great care and great wisdom and the conclusion is positive." ^[218] Image File history File links Flag_of_Israel. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... The President of the State of Israel (‎, Nesi HaMedina, lit. ...

 European Union — On May 24, the European Parliament adopted a resolution in which it expressed support for and solidarity with Estonia.^[219] Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ...

Other reaction

Gerhard Schröder, former German Chancellor (socialist, SPD) and current chairman of a shareholders' committee of a gas consortium controlled by the Russian Gazprom, said that the removal was insulting to Russians who died fighting Nazi Germany: Image File history File links Flag_of_Germany. ...   [] (born April 7, 1944), German politician, was Chancellor of Germany from 1998 to 2005. ... SPD redirects here. ... Nord Stream pipeline Nord Stream (former names: North Transgas and North European Gas Pipeline) is a planned natural gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. ... Gazprom (LSE: OGZD; Russian: , sometimes transcribed as Gasprom) is the largest Russian company and the biggest extractor of natural gas in the world. ...

"The way Estonia is dealing with the memory of young Russian soldiers who lost their lives in the fight against fascism is in bad taste and irreverent"^[220][221]

The Tajik Council of War Veterans condemned the removal of the statue, stating, "Estonian bureaucrats are behaving like fascists."^[222] Image File history File links Flag_of_Tajikistan. ... Motto none Anthem Surudi Milli Capital (and largest city) Dushanbe Official languages Persian (Tajik) Government Unitary state  -  President Emomali Rahmon  -  Prime Minister Oqil Oqilov Independence  -  Declared September 9, 1991   -  Completed December 25, 1991  Area  -  Total 143,100 km² (95th) 55,251 sq mi   -  Water (%) 0. ...

Katyn Committee (relatives of Polish officers, who were executed on the orders of the Soviet authorities in the village of Katyn) in Poland, said: Image File history File links Flag_of_Poland. ... This article is about the 1940 massacre of Polish officers. ...

"[Estonia] suffered from the Soviet occupation, while Soviet monuments have always been the symbol of slavery and lies, as well as Russian chauvinism. The Katyn Committee expresses solidarity with the sovereign government of Estonia and approves its decision to remove the Soviet monuments, sites of the 'Red' empire. We are indignant at Russian official statements threatening to cut off diplomatic ties with Estonia."^[223][224] The occupation of Baltic states generally refers to the occupation of the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) first by the Soviet Union, then Nazi Germany, and again by the Soviets during World War II, and to the Soviet presence in the Baltics from 1945 until the re-establishment of... Chauvinism is extreme and unreasoning partisanship on behalf of a group to which one belongs, especially when the partisanship includes malice and hatred towards a rival group. ...

On April 28 three large Russian supermarket networks: Seventh Continent, Kopeika and Samokhval banned all Estonian commodities.^[225] Image File history File links Flag_of_Russia. ... Kopeika is a famous retail chain in Russia. ...

The Mayor of Tallinn and the oppositional Centre Party chairman Edgar Savisaar condemned the disproportional use of force by the police stating that there is no explanation why several policemen should apply physical force against a handcuffed detainee^[226]. He also stated that the central government should compensate the city of Tallinn the losses caused by the unrest over the relocation of the monument. According the Savisaar the direct losses exceed 40..50 million Estonian kroons (2.5 - 3 million EUR)^[227] As a reaction to his statement (disapproved of by many leading Estonian politicians), the Estonian National Movement started to collect signatures on Internet for Mayor Savisaar's resignation.^[228] Image File history File links Flag_of_Estonia. ... The Centre Party of Estonia (Eesti Keskerakond) is a left of centre, centrist, social liberal party in Estonia. ... Edgar Savisaar Edgar Savisaar (born May 31, 1950 in Harku Commune, Harju County), is an Estonian politician and the leader of the Centre Party. ... The Kroon is the official currency of Estonia. ... EUR is an initialism that may mean: Euro, the currency; Esposizione Universale Roma, a neighbourhood of Rome built for the World Fair Esposizione universale (1942). Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam (Erasmus University of Rotterdam, the Netherlands) This page concerning a three-letter acronym or abbreviation is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid...

On May 1 Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov has proposed to boycott everything related to Estonia for "actions taken against the Bronze Soldier Monument and graves of our soldiers". He said that Russian companies should cut their relations with partners in Estonia. "One should tell our business: stop contacts with Estonia. The country showed its negative, and I would say fascist face," the mayor said, adding: "No one will be able to re-write the history." ^[229] Image File history File links Flag_of_Russia. ... For other uses, see Moscow (disambiguation). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights: The International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights is a self-governing group of non-governmental, not-for-profit organizations that act to protect human rights throughout Europe, North America and Central Asia. ...

"According to media reports as well as reports received by the IHF, police in some cases used disproportionate force against riot participants. Some protesters were reportedly hit with batons, beaten and mistreated after being taken into custody in a temporary detention facility established in a terminal at the Tallinn port. Some cases of apparent police brutality were documented by TV broadcasts and cell phone recordings.

The riots in Tallinn and other Estonian cities have served to highlight remaining problems relating to the integration of the country’s Russian-speaking minority, which constitutes about one third of the 1.4 million residents. Despite a number of important legislative reforms since the first years of independence, this minority is still not officially recognized as a linguistic minority and continues to face discrimination and exclusion in everyday life, thus fostering frustration and resentment among its members. Many Russian-speakers still lack Estonian citizenship, Russian-language education has gradually been reduced and stringent language requirements restrict access to the labor market for Russian-speakers. "^[230] The term linguistic minorities obviously has different connotations in the contexts of different countries. ...

The veteran politician and human rights activist Sergey Kovalyov writes in the Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza^[231] that Russia's position is hypocritical and implies double standards. In his opinion Russia opposes the removal of the monument because it is still led by successors of the Stalinist era, who have never apologized to the Eastern Europe for having turned it into a concentration camp.^[232] Image File history File links Flag_of_Russia. ... Sergei Kovalev Sergei Adamovich Kovalev (Russian: ) (born March 2, 1930) was a notable dissident and political prisoner in the former Soviet Union, and is a human rights activist and politician in the post-Soviet Russian Federation. ... Gazeta Wyborcza (pronounce: [gazεta vibɔrʧa] , gazeta vibborcha) is, as of 2005, Polands second largest distribution daily newspaper (after the tabloid Fakt). ... A double standard is an ethical rule applied more stringently to one party than to others. ... Pre-1989 division between the West (grey) and Eastern Bloc (orange) superimposed on current national boundaries: Russia (dark orange), other countries of the former USSR (medium orange),members of the Warsaw pact (light orange), and other former Communist regimes not aligned with Moscow (lightest orange). ... It has been suggested that Internment be merged into this article or section. ...

Estonian media expert Tarmu Tammerk compares heavy criticism and calls to discharge of sociologist Juhan Kivirähk, who called for resignation of Estonian government, to an attempt of the Ansip government to establish "üks rahvas, üks riik, üks juht" ("one people, one state, one leader") ideology referring to the notorious citation "Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer" by Adolf Hitler and states that sociologists must have full freedom of speech ^[233]. Image File history File links Flag_of_Estonia. ... Nazi propoganda poster. ... Hitler redirects here. ...

Andres Põder the current Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Estonia, said that it was right thing for defending grave peace to rebury Soviet soldiers' remains to cemetery and also remove memorial which had became symbol of occupation and ground of political provocations.^[234]. Image File history File links Flag_of_Estonia. ... Andres Põder (born November 22, 1949 in Haapsalu) is the current Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Estonia. ... In Christianity, an archbishop is an elevated bishop. ... The Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church (Estonian: Eesti Evangeelne Luterlik Kirik) is a Christian Protestant church, following the teachings of the German theologian Martin Luther, one of the main figures of the Reformation in the 16th century, in the country of Estonia. ...

Artur Taevere, founder of Heateo Sihtasutus, and other young volunteers have started a campaign "Valge tulp / Белый тюльпан",^[235] asking Estonians and Russians to place white tulips at sites that are of emotional value to members of the other ethnic community to counteract the bad feelings that the events have caused.^[236] Image File history File links Flag_of_Estonia. ... Species See text Tulip (Tulipa) is a genus of about 100 species of flowering plants in the family Liliaceae. ...

On May 7 Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar has called on the Estonian authorities to review their position regarding the reburial of the remains of Soviet soldiers in Tallinn. He said that "When Nazism unfortunately rears its ugly head in Europe today and as there have been attempts to deny the Holocaust, Estonia is acting in a manner that insults memory, which alarms us". He added that "The Jewish people will always regard what the Soviet soldiers did as a heroic feat" In addition, Jews consider remains of those people "holy, and reburial is allowed only in exceptional cases."^[237] Image File history File links Flag_of_Russia. ... Rabbi Berel Lazar is the Chief Rabbi of Russia, and is the chairman of the rabbinical alliance of the CIS. Education A native of Milan, Italy, Rabbi Lazar was born in 1964 to parents who were among the first emissaries of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. ...

On May 1 Patriarch Alexius II of Moscow and All Russia, who was born in Tallinn, said after a service at Moscow's Intercession Monastery that The Estonian government's struggle against the memory of soldiers who fell in battle against fascism is indecent. "Fighting against the dead, against the soldiers who have always been honored by all nations, is the most unworthy deed. It is immoral to profane the memory of the dead", he said. "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. This is what Christ our Savior said." The Patriarch added that "When (Estonian) political leaders use the words as “drunkards” and “marauders”, it is unworthy of the politician or a statesman.^[238] Image File history File links Flag_of_Russia. ... Patriarch Alexius II Patriarch Alexius II (February 23, 1929) is the 16th and current Patriarch of Moscow and the spiritual leader of the Russian Orthodox Church. ...

On May 3 The Russian Congress of Jewish Religious Organizations and Associations (KEROOR) issued a statement criticizing the Estonian government for relocating a Soviet WWII memorial in Tallinn and for alleged Nazi sympathies. "The demonstratively defiant form in which the Estonian authorities have dismantled the Monument to the Liberator Warrior and are relocating the nearby grave of soldiers who gave their lives fighting fascism is not an accidental or spontaneous act," the KEROOR said in a statement. "Estonian authorities prefer to gloss over the fact that punitive detachments and the Estonian SS legion killed between 120,000 and 140,000 Russians, Jews, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Gypsies, and people of other ethnic groups during 1941-1944."^[239] Image File history File links Flag_of_Russia. ...

On April 30 Simon Wiesenthal Center criticized the removal from the center of Tallinn to a military cemetery by the Estonian government late last week of "a Soviet memorial commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany", which had stood for decades in the center of the Estonian capital". In a statement issued in Jerusalem by its chief Nazi-hunter, Israel director Dr. Efraim Zuroff, the Center asserted that the removal of the monument minimizes the severity of the crimes of the Holocaust in Estonia and insults the Nazis' victims in the country.^[240] Image File history File links Flag_of_Israel. ... The Simon Wiesenthal Center The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish organization that declares itself to be a human rights group dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust by fostering tolerance and understanding through community involvement, educational outreach and social action. ...

Russian professor of economy, Konstantin Sonin, condemned the relocation of Bronze Soldier in The Moscow Times article on May 08, 2007, saying that not only "the Estonian government clearly did not show its best side", but also "journalists who wrote of the "Russian monster" in an editorial published in one of Estonia's most popular newspapers crossed all conceivable limits of journalistic etiquette and political correctness". The author discussed possible alternative ways for Russian response to such hostile actions. These could be limiting temporarily access to the memorial to the victims of the violent resettlement of the Baltic peoples or reducing funding for taking care of certain halls within the Museum of Political Repression. Sonin concludes that implementation of these methods is so far impossible, because Russia does not have any such monuments to the suffering of people from other countries^[241] Image File history File links Flag_of_Russia. ... The Moscow Times is an English-language daily newspaper published in Moscow, Russia since 1992. ... May 8 is the 128th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (129th in leap years). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

On May 9 longtime human rights activist and WWII veteran Yelena Bonner called on Russians to acknowledge that the victory did not result in the liberation for many countries, including the Baltic nations. "We didn't liberate anyone, we weren't even able to liberate ourselves, although for four difficult years of war we hoped for it. We even said 'After the war, if we survive it, all life will be different.' It didn't happen; not in 1945, not in 1991!" she wrote in an e-mailed statement.^{[242] [243]} Image File history File links Flag_of_Russia. ... Yelena Georgiyevna Bonner (Russian language: Елена Георгиевна Боннер, born February 15, 1923) is a human rights activist in the former Soviet Union and wife of late Andrei Sakharov. ...

See also

• Cyberattacks on Estonia 2007
• History of Estonia
• Baltic Russians
• Monument of Lihula, another controversial monument in Estonia
• Latvian Riflemen, a controversial monument in Latvia
• Kopli cemetery
• Kalamaja cemetery
• Estonian Nationalist Movement

Cyberattacks on Estonia (a. ... The land area that now makes up Estonia was settled immediately after the Ice Age, beginning from around 8500 BC. After being conquered by Danish and German crusaders in 1227, Estonia was ruled initially in the north by Danes, then by German Bishops. ... Baltic Russians are ethnic Russians who live in the Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. ... Lihula is a small town in Estonia in the cemetery of which a monument depicting an Estonian soldier in a World War II German uniform, resembling Heer-uniform, was unveiled on August 20, 2004, with a dedication as follows: To Estonian men who fought in 1940-1945 against Bolshevism and... Monument to the Red Latvian Riflemen in Riga, Latvia Latvian riflemen (Latvian: Latviešu strēlnieki, Russian: Латышские стрелки) were military formations assembled starting 1915 in Latvia in order to defend Baltic territories against Germans in World War I. Initially the battalions were formed by volunteers, and from 1916 by conscription among... The Kopli cemetery (in German - Friedhof von Ziegelskoppel) was Tallinns largest protestant Baltic German cemetery in the the suburb of Kopli. ... The Kalamaja cemetery (German: , Estonian: ) in Tallinn in Estonia was once the citys oldest cemetery, located in the suburb of Kalamaja in the north of the city. ... The Estonian National Movement (Eesti Rahvuslik Liikumine; ERL) is a political pressure group in Estonia. ...

References

(Clockwise from upper left) Time magazine covers from May 7, 1945; July 25, 1969; December 31, 1999; September 14, 2001; and April 21, 2003. ... Year 1939 (MCMXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... â–¶(?) (DN) (Swedish: lit. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 132nd day of the year (133rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 133rd day of the year (134th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Eesti Päevaleht is an Estonian newspaper. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... // 1400 - Owain Glyndŵr declared Prince of Wales by his followers. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Helsingin Sanomat is the biggest subscription newspaper in Finland. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... May 14 is the 134th day of the year (135th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... â–¶(?) (DN) (Swedish: lit. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... May 2 is the 122nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (123rd in leap years). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... May 2 is the 122nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (123rd in leap years). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... BBC News is the department within the BBC responsible for the corporations news-gathering and production of news programmes on BBC television, radio and online. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Eesti Päevaleht is an Estonian newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Postimees (The Courier) is an Estonian newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... â–¶(?) (DN) (Swedish: lit. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Eesti Päevaleht is an Estonian newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 180th day of the year (181st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Postimees (The Courier) is an Estonian newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 184th day of the year (185th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Tidningarnas TelegrambyrÃ¥ (TT) is a Swedish news agency cooperatively owned by the newspapers and media groups behind them. ... AFP logo Paris headquarters of AFP Charles Havas Agence France-Presse (AFP) is the oldest news agency in the world, and one of the three largest with Associated Press and Reuters. ... â–¶(?) (DN) (Swedish: lit. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 184th day of the year (185th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 202nd day of the year (203rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... SL Õhtuleht is an Estonian tabloid newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 184th day of the year (185th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 116th day of the year (117th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ... is the 124th day of the year (125th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... European Court of Human Rights building in Strasbourg European Court of Human Rights cases on Occupation of Baltic States are landmark rulings by the European Court of Human Rights, which concern activities of the USSR including military and security services in the occupied Baltic states between 1940 and 1991. ... A 1969 Radio Moscow QSL card Voice of Russia is the Russian governments international radio broadcasting service. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 314th day of the year (315th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Interfax is a Russian non-governmental press agency based in Moscow. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 317th day of the year (318th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Interfax is a Russian non-governmental press agency based in Moscow. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 319th day of the year (320th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article concerns the British newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 121st day of the year (122nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... RIA (Russian Information Agency) Novosti is a Russian press agency based in Moscow. ... BBC News is the department within the BBC responsible for the corporations news-gathering and production of news programmes on BBC television, radio and online. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 46th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Postimees (The Courier) is an Estonian newspaper. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 129th day of the year (130th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 203rd day of the year (204th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The subject of this article may not satisfy the notability guideline or one of the following guidelines for inclusion on Wikipedia: Biographies, Books, Companies, Fiction, Music, Neologisms, Numbers, Web content, or several proposals for new guidelines. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... March 26 is the 85th day of the year (86th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Postimees (The Courier) is an Estonian newspaper. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 130th day of the year (131st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Night Watch supportes on vigil at the Bronze Soldier of Tallinn one day before its removal by Estonian officials Nochnoy Dozor (Russian: , Night Watch is an advocacy group made up mainly of Russians living in Estonia. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 144th day of the year (145th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state, and kogu, assembly) is the parliament of Estonia. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... January 10 is the 10th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... January 20 is the 20th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Kommersant (Cyrillic: Коммерса́нтъ) (which literally translates as The Businessman) is a commerce-oriented newspaper published in Russia. ... Eesti Päevaleht is an Estonian newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 46th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Eesti Päevaleht is an Estonian newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Eesti Päevaleht is an Estonian newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Eesti Päevaleht is an Estonian newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 115th day of the year (116th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Eesti Päevaleht is an Estonian newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 115th day of the year (116th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Postimees (The Courier) is an Estonian newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 115th day of the year (116th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Associated Press, or AP, is an American news agency, the worlds largest such organization. ... Kommersant (Cyrillic: Коммерса́нтъ) (which literally translates as The Businessman) is a commerce-oriented newspaper published in Russia. ... Postimees (The Courier) is an Estonian newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 207th day of the year (208th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The British Broadcasting Corporation, which is usually known as the BBC, is the largest broadcasting corporation in the world in terms of audience numbers, employing 26,000 staff in the United Kingdom alone and with a budget of more than GB£4 billion. ... YLE (Yleisradio Oy) is Finlands National Broadcasting Company, founded in 1926. ... The Kavkaz Center is an Internet publication that claims to be a Chechen independent international Islamic internet agency. It was founded in March 1999 in the city of Grozny, by the National Center for Strategic Research and Political Technologies, headed by Movladi Udugov, former Minister for Information of the Chechen... is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Eesti Televisioon or ETV is the national public television station of Estonia. ... is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 119th day of the year (120th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is a radio and communications organization which is funded by the United States Congress. ... Iltalehti is a daily tabloid newspaper and the third largest newspaper in Finland. ... is the 121st day of the year (122nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Financial Times (FT) is an international business newspaper printed on distinctive salmon pink broadsheet paper. ... Postimees (The Courier) is an Estonian newspaper. ... is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Postimees (The Courier) is an Estonian newspaper. ... is the 71st day of the year (72nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Rambler. ... is the 124th day of the year (125th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... June 14 is the 165th day of the year (166th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 185th day of the year (186th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 184th day of the year (185th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 184th day of the year (185th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 179th day of the year (180th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 177th day of the year (178th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 184th day of the year (185th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Postimees (The Courier) is an Estonian newspaper. ... is the 239th day of the year (240th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Postimees (The Courier) is an Estonian newspaper. ... is the 234th day of the year (235th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... June 14 is the 165th day of the year (166th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... RIA (Russian Information Agency) Novosti is a Russian press agency based in Moscow. ... is the 185th day of the year (186th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Interfax is a Russian non-governmental press agency based in Moscow. ... is the 129th day of the year (130th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Anthem Serbia() on the European continent() Capital (and largest city) Belgrade Official languages Serbian 1 Recognised regional languages Hungarian, Croatian, Slovak, Romanian, Rusyn 2 Albanian 3 Government Semi-presidential republic  -  President Boris Tadić  -  Prime Minister Vojislav KoÅ¡tunica Establishment  -  Formation 812   -  Kingdom established 1217   -  Empire established 1346   -  Independence lost to... A press release (sometimes known as a news release or press statement) is a written or recorded communication directed at members of the news media for the purpose of announcing something claimed as having news value. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... A press release (sometimes known as a news release or press statement) is a written or recorded communication directed at members of the news media for the purpose of announcing something claimed as having news value. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Postimees (The Courier) is an Estonian newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 121st day of the year (122nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 123rd day of the year (124th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 144th day of the year (145th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 207th day of the year (208th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Deutsche Presse Agentur (German Press Agency) is a news agency founded in 1949 in Germany. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 121st day of the year (122nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...   [] (born April 7, 1944), German politician, was Chancellor of Germany from 1998 to 2005. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Lenta. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 119th day of the year (120th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 119th day of the year (120th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Eesti Päevaleht is an Estonian newspaper. ... May 7 is the 127th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (128th in leap years). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Postimees (The Courier) is an Estonian newspaper. ... May 6 is the 126th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (127th in leap years). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Simon Wiesenthal Center The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish organization that declares itself to be a human rights group dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust by fostering tolerance and understanding through community involvement, educational outreach and social action. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 226th day of the year (227th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Moscow Times is an independent English language Russian daily newspaper. ... May 8 is the 128th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (129th in leap years). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... The International Herald Tribune is a widely read English language international newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 129th day of the year (130th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 202nd day of the year (203rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... May 9 is the 129th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (130th in leap years). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

External links

Image File history File links WikiNews-Logo. ... Wikinews is a free-content news source and a project of the Wikimedia Foundation. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Wikiquote is a sister project of Wikipedia, using the same MediaWiki software. ... Image File history File links Commons-logo. ...

Photos and videos

• QTVR fullscreen panoramas near Bronze Soldier Monument (May 9, 2005; May 9, 2007)
• Photos of the site at sites-of-memory.de (June, 2006)
• Pictures of looters on the homepage of the Estonian Police
• Postimees newspaper pictures of riots

is the 129th day of the year (130th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 129th day of the year (130th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

Opponents of the relocation

• bronze-soldier.com
• Protest against the removal of the monument (Russian)
• Declaration of Estonian Left Party
• Petition of the "night patrol"
• Timely Thoughts, contains a public appeal against monument removal and independent Russian language editorials and commentary in English translation"

Estonian Left Party (Eesti Vasakpartei - EVP) is a left socialist political party in Estonia. ...

Supporters of the relocation

• An article depicting the views of the monument opponents
• The Independent: 'Don't let Russia bully the Baltics'
• Shawn Macomber, "Another Red Square Bites the Dust", The American Spectator, May 2, 2007
• Polish Petition to José Manuel Durão Barroso

The American Spectator magazine. ... May 2 is the 122nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (123rd in leap years). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

Neutral views

• News about Estonian events on 26 April 2007 and comments from residents of Tallinn about what happened
• Common grave for and a memorial to Red Army soldiers on Tõnismägi, Tallinn (PDF file) (Word file) Scientific studies about the historical background of the monument, compiled into a "Historical statement", by Peeter Kaasik, for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, 2006. (Translation into English)
• Statue Symbolizes Grudges Against Russia - Associated Press
• Government compensates owners for damage caused by vandals - Press release of the Government of Estonia
• Russia’s Involvement in the Tallinn Disturbances - Analysis by Estonian International Centre for Defence Studies
• Estonian Review / Eesti Ringvaade, Volume 17 No 16-17 April 18-May 2, 2007 (News bulletin of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Estonia) (ISSN 1023-1951)
• A full timeline of the Russian-Estonian row as reported by Russian news agency

is the 116th day of the year (117th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... The Associated Press, or AP, is an American news agency, the worlds largest such organization. ... is the 108th day of the year (109th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... May 2 is the 122nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (123rd in leap years). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

Diplomacy

• Lavrov letter slams EU over Estonia (Unofficial translation of the full text into English)
• Letter of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Germany and Finland about the shift of the statue (Estonian)

Coordinates: 59°25′17.99″N, 24°45′55.67″E Map of Earth showing lines of latitude (horizontally) and longitude (vertically), Eckert VI projection; large version (pdf, 1. ...