The 15th anniversary of riots caused by the removal of a Soviet-era statue from central Tallinn, known as the Bronze Night, passed mostly peacefully, the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) said on Wednesday. The agency also stressed May 9 will not be celebrated as usual this year.
The police were out in force on Tuesday that marked the anniversary of the Bronze Night to prevent provocations and make sure no public meetings are held. Misdemeanor proceedings were launched in two out of three incidents.
Draft legislation to ban symbols of aggression, put together by the Riigikogu Legal Affairs Committee based on bills tabled by Isamaa and the coalition, will come up for its second reading in the Riigikogu on Wednesday.
In connection with potential gatherings on the April 26 anniversary of 2007 unrest in Tallinn (the so-called Bronze Night) and May 9, the police will be banning public meetings that could incite hatred and where symbols of aggression could be displayed between April 26 and May 10. Commemorating victims of WWII is not prohibited but must not manifest in inciting violence and feud.