Russia urges EU to investigate Estonian human rights abuses over monument removal

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday asked the European Union (EU) to investigate alleged Estonian human rights abuses surrounding the removal of a World War II Soviet soldier's statue in central Tallinn.

The EU should carry out "an urgent and objective investigation into all cases of human rights violations during the recent events in Estonia," Lavrov said, referring to conflicts with demonstrators. He added that the violators must be punished.

"Moscow is seriously concerned about the facts of cruel violence against demonstrators who object to the (Estonian leadership's) decisions and over the death of a Russian citizen," Itar-Tass quoted Lavrov as saying during a phone conversation with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Lavrov said the protest was a "natural reaction" to the recent events in Tallinn, but pledged to ensure the security of the Estonian embassy in Moscow and take corresponding measures if necessary.

A Russian national was killed and 153 people, including 29 policemen, were injured during the two nights of rioting in Tallinn last week after a bronze statue was moved from a square in central Tallinn to a military cemetery. Some 800 people were detained during the clashes.

The relocation of the statue, the "Liberator Soldier," and remains buried near the sculpture of Red Army soldiers who were killed in WWII, also triggered fierce protests in Moscow.

Germany holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, which has urged Russia to ensure the security of the Estonian diplomatic mission and the safety of its personnel amid the strong protests in Moscow.

The Estonian consulate in Moscow has halted its service and evacuated the families of diplomats, Itar-Tass said.

Estonian President Toomas Hendrik issued a statement Wednesday calling on Russia to "try to remain civilized."

Source: Xinhua