Russians treated unlawfully: Estonian court

25 Jun, 2007 09:21 / Updated 17 years ago

An Estonian court has ruled that police acted unlawfully towards one of the leaders of the Russian 'Night Watch' movement, who were protesting against the relocation of the Bronze Soldier monument in Tallinn.

Dmitry Linter was fined almost $US 200 dollars for allegedly organising an unauthorised rally and inviting foreign journalists. He challenged the decision in court and received compensation, but he is still under arrest and could face a prison sentence of up to five years. The Bronze soldier, a memorial to the Soviet troops who died liberating Estonia from Nazi occupation, was dismantled in late April and moved to a military cemetery while the remains of 12 soldiers were exhumed from the site.