Last week, on June 12, Harju County Court acquitted the third young person who had taken part in a 2023 protest on Freedom Square in Tallinn, demonstrating against the killing of Palestinian civilians. The Estonian Human Rights Centre, together with attorney-at-law Ronald Riistan from Syndicate Legal, supported the young protesters in their legal proceedings. Of the four individuals who turned to the courts, three have now received positive rulings.
The youths were originally detained by the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) at the November 2023 demonstration and later fined under § 151¹ of the Penal Code. This provision relates to the public display of symbols associated with acts of aggression, genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes, in a way that supports or justifies such acts. The Human Rights Centre decided to support the young people in their legal challenge, as the case raised important questions about freedom of expression in Estonia and the legal clarity of § 151¹ of the Penal Code.
Last week, the Harju County Court annulled the PPA’s fine against the third protester and terminated the misdemeanor proceedings under § 29(1)(1) of the Misdemeanour Procedure Code, ruling that the act in question did not meet the criteria for a misdemeanor. The decision was declared final. As the PPA chose not to appeal to the Supreme Court, the legal process has now concluded for the third protester. The court also ordered the state to cover all legal costs related to the proceedings.
The case of the fourth youth protester is still pending, with a hearing scheduled for the end of July.
A record number of donors supported the young protesters’ legal fight. This overwhelming support shows that people in Estonia believe in human rights, trust in the justice system, and value the rule of law. The Estonian Human Rights Centre extends its heartfelt thanks to attorney-at-law Ronald Riistan from Syndicate Legal, and to all supporters and donors who made this possible.
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