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War monument removal sparks deadly riot in Estonia

27 April 2007 12:23 (UTC +04:00)

During the night Friday, the Estonian government made the decision to remove the Soviet war memorial from Tynismyagi square, in central Tallinn, which led to clashes between police and a crowd of approximately 500 protesters that had gathered in the square to protest the government decision, APA reports.
Their demonstration turned into a riot in which police used water cannon, rubber batons, and flash and sound grenades to disperse crowds and prevent youths from forcing their way through a police cordon. Estonian police arrested more than 300 people during violent clashes in Tallinn, with 13 police officers being injured. One protester was killed and at least 44 injured during the public disturbance, which saw mass damage in the city, Estonian police said.
Estonian Defense Ministry said the works for exhumation and identification were postponed. The Bronze Soldier was dismantled and taken under police guard.
The plan to relocate the statue has caused anger in Moscow.
Sergei Mironov, head of the upper house of the Russian Parliament, called today for a break in relations with Estonia.
"I urge you to adopt a resolution addressed to the president recommending a break in diplomatic relations with Estonia," he told MPs.
A spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Kamynin said the events in Tallinn "need to be looked at by international organizations in all seriousness and necessary measures taken to cool the Estonian authorities zeal," adding that in the future Russia would need "to determine its further action in the light of the events in Tallinn." /APA/