Tallinn Riots 26.-27.4.2007 in (Estonia). I took photos in night 26-27.4.2007, from violent clashes in the Estonian capital, Tallinn, as police removed a controversial World War II memorial to Red Army soldiers. I could not take photos from some of the worst situations. Time to time it was too dangerous and I was “hiding” many times during the night. It was sometimes too dark too. Police used tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon as the protest turned violent. After night, one person was killed and more than 100 injured in the clashes. In Day Time 09.00-18.00 Police and curious people gathered to bronze statue of a Soviet soldier. Late in Thursday clashes started in that place, but during the night almost all city Centre was like a war-area.
Crowd of more than 1,000 demonstrators gathered on evening where the monument used to stand. And after people gathered that to the Pärnu Street near of the Freedom Square. Some of the protesters threw stones, bottles and petrol bombs against cars, taxis, busses, while others waved Russian flags and chanted "Russia, Russia, Russia". Department stores and other shops in the city centre were looted.
Estonian Police made groups 30-70 persons before clashes. More armed Special Force gave them backup. Many people who were arrested or injured were lying on the streets of Tallinn.
Many of Estonian police were very young. Many women too whose were taken from Police Academic to help keep the control on the Streets. Some of police use unnecessary Violence and beat people (badly). Even people who were arrested and lying on streets were beat too. Badly injured protester is taken to ambulance in one of picture.
Armed Special Forces made attack near me. 2 adult men were walking about 3-4 metres front of me. They were beat and rested without any reason. Police let me to take photos all the time and it seems that they were “proud” to use such violence?
Looting and vandalism were around Tallinn city centre. In first 2 nights more than 150 shops were destroyed, part of them totally.