As life returns to normal in the Estonian capital more than a week after riots hit the city center, the largest immediate concern among residents is whether fresh unrest will come on May 9, the day Russian-speakers traditionally celebrate the Soviet Union's victory in World War II.
In past years veterans groups had gathered on this day at the Bronze Soldier monument on Tonismagi, whose relocation sparked riots on April 26 and 27. Police have told The Baltic Times that visitors would be allowed to lay flowers at the site, despite the fact that it is still fenced off.
In an address to the public on May 6, Estonian police chief Raivo Aeg said that the police would continue to operate at a higher degree of readiness in coming days.
"I wish to assure you that the police are fully ready to maintain public order in the new week," Aeg said. "All Estonian law enforcement bodies will jointly work to anticipate provocations and ensure a peaceful atmosphere. Instructions have been given to the police not to let themselves be provoked but to fix all violations."
The Viru detached infantry battalion based in the northeast Estonian regional capital Johvi, a city which also saw rioting on April 27, has stepped up its readiness in the run-up to the period around May 9 when further unrest was possible, the Eesti Paevaleht daily reported.
From May 3 the territory of the battalion's base has been surrounded with a fence and guarding of the compound has been beefed up.
Professor Hanno Barabaner, rector of the Institute of Economics and Management in Tallinn and representative of the Russian-speaking community, told The Baltic Times that the mood of the Russian-speaking population on May 9 would depend on how police and authorities allow them to mark the day. He said many Russians would come to lay flowers at the Tonismagi site, and others will do the same at the Garrison Cemetery where the Bronze Soldier now stands.
In regard to this the police chief reminded the public that in Tallinn and in Harju County public meetings were banned until at least May 11.
"This means that the police will not obstruct the laying of flowers or remembering the fallen in World War Two in some other peaceful way," he said. "But remembrance may not be accompanied by public meetings, expressions of political views, instigation of hatred or other violation of public order."
Aeg said though that he did not anticipate any trouble.
"I have spoken with very many Estonian people of different backgrounds, residence, and mother tongues," Aeg said in his address. "Irrespective of nationality, the point of view prevails that people are fed up with and tired of the last week's events. The people want to return to the peaceful and secure rhythm of life characteristic of Estonia."
