(originally found here)
Time: 17:01, 04.05.2007
International relations
* The Estonian Embassy in Moscow has restarted the provision of consular services.
* The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises all travellers to Russia consider the urgency of their trip and be careful and attentive during their trip.
* The Government is grateful to all friends and allies that have shown their support. Both the EU and NATO have demanded that Russia fulfil its obligation and comply with the Vienna convention to ensure the safety of the Estonian Embassy and diplomats. Amongst others, the USA, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Georgia and Macedonia have expressed their support in recent days.
Identification of remains and future of the grave monument
* Archaeological excavations at Tõnismägi have been completed. 12 caskets with remains have been found in the war grave at Tõnismägi. The caskets were found buried in two rows at the side of Kaarli Church that faces towards Freedom Square.
* The caskets and skeletal remains are in good condition. The archaeological excavations did not uncover any documents. Excavation works were carried out smoothly and without any obstacles.
* The remains were taken to the autopsy facility of the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia. The remains will be cleaned and completed and prepared for identification. This will be followed by taking a DNA sample from the remains, the results of which will be ready in a week. For more information see http://www.mod.gov.ee/.
* According to the Estonian Red Cross, relatives have not shown any interest in visiting the grave site. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will send Russia a note on the results of the identification process for publication. After that relatives can contact Estonia either via the Russian Red Cross or the Estonian Embassy. The Red Cross will also send enquires to all CIS countries.
* The temporary tent which covered the war graves excavation site at Tõnismägi was taken down on May 3. The landscaping works will be in progress until mid-May. The area will be covered with flowers. The perimeter fence will be removed at the end of the landscaping works.
* The grave monument has been erected at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces (14 Filtri Road) which is a suitable and dignified location for the bronze sculpture.
* In the middle of May works to restore the grave monument will start at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces, works will be completed by the end of June, followed by the reburial of remains and an opening ceremony.
* The end of WWII is celebrated on 8 May worldwide. The commemoration of the victims of WWII will take place on 8 May in the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces. The monument for holocaust victims will be visited prior to and the graves of German, Russian and Estonian soldiers at Maarjamägi after the commemoration ceremony at the cemetery of the Defence Forces. The diplomatic corps in Estonia has also been invited.
* On 9 May we celebrate Europe Day. As in previous years, various events will take place all over Estonia on that day.
Indemnification of losses
* The Government has allocated 20 million Estonian kroons from its reserve to indemnify for the losses incurred during the mass violations of public order in Tallinn and Jõhvi on 26-28 April. The state will collect the applications of victims and then claim damages from those responsible for the losses.
* Losses will be indemnified to victims with our without an insurance contract. Non-material damage and loss of profit will not be indemnified. Public offices will cover losses with their own funds.
* Losses will be indemnified on the basis of a reasoned application submitted to the Ministry of Finance. For application instructions see http://www.fin.ee/.
Security
* Public Prosecutor’s Office started a criminal procedure to investigate into the massive attacks against Estonian internet servers.
* All public meetings in Tallinn and Harjumaa (but not public events) are prohibited until 11 May.
* Information from the Prosecutor’s Office, 3 May
57 criminal procedures have been initiated: 3 in the Public Prosecutor’s Office; 19 in the Northern Circuit Prosecutor’s Office; 35 in Viru Circuit Prosecutor’s Office.
Most criminal procedures concern severe violation of public order by resisting law enforcement authorities (Penal Code § 263 (1), (2), (4)). There are also some criminal procedures concerning violence against police officers (Penal Code § 275), organising mass disorders (Penal Code § 238), committing offences during mass disorders (Penal Code § 239) and dishonouring the memory of the deceased (Penal Code § 149). The Northern Circuit Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a criminal procedure concerning a homicide (Penal Code § 113).
There are over 300 suspects in the above-mentioned criminal procedures. Only persons suspected of a criminal offence can be taken into custody.
