Estonian clashes over communist monument

Clashes erupted between protestors and police in Tallinn, Estonia as demonstrators took to the streets over plans to move a Red Army monument. A crowd of around one thousand people gathered to show their anger at the proposed relocation of a bronze statue, as well as tombs of Red Army soldiers killed fighting the Nazi’s in World War Two.

Russia has protested against the plan, saying it’s an insult to those who fought fascism. Police used tear gas and shot blank explosive charges to drive away demonstrators who threw stones and bottles, and overturned cars. Ethnic Estonians are keen to move the memorial, considering the statue a painful reminder of 50 years of Soviet rule.

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