Estonia trial begins for ethnic Russians accused of violence over WWII memorial News
Estonia trial begins for ethnic Russians accused of violence over WWII memorial

[JURIST] Four ethnic Russian Estonians accused of taking part in violence that occurred last year during the removal of a Red Army war memorial in Tallinn went on trial in Estonia Monday. The violence occurred last April when Estonia removed the prominent yet controversial Bronze Soldier [IHT report] from the capital city and more than 1,000 ethnic Russians protested, saying the removal denigrated World War II Soviet soldiers. The Estonian government said the statute had become a source of tension [Der Spiegel report] between nationals of the two countries. The protests resulted in the death of one Russian citizen. The four men on trial face up to five years in prison if found guilty. All have denied the charges.

Last year's violence surrounding the removal of the statute marked escalating tensions between Russia and Estonia [JURIST news archives], which gained its independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991. The monument was a reminder to many Estonians of the years of Soviet occupation. Earlier this month, Russia put public pressure on Estonia [Russia Today report] to step up the murder investigation into the Russian citizen killed during the protests. BBC News has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

First Non-Aligned Movement conference closes

On September 6, 1961, the Non-Aligned Movement concluded its first official conference in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. The organization was founded in 1955 to support mostly developing countries who did not wish to side with either of the great Cold War powers. It also worked to shepherd these nations through the process of decolonization. Learn more about the history and founding principles of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Pilgrims leave Plymouth, England for North America

On September 6, 1620, the Pilgrims left Plymouth, England. They set sail on the Mayflower for North America, where they would found the Plymouth Colony in modern-day Massachusetts.
While in transit, the Pilgrims promulgated the Mayflower Compact, which would serve as their colony's first governing document.

Law requiring German Jews to wear star announced

On September 6, 1941, German authorities announced the adoption of a regulation, formally enacted on September 1, requiring all Jews in German territories to wear a star. Read an English translation of the Police Decree Concerning the Marking of Jews.