Bulldozing candles sparks indignation

Photo: ANTS LIIGUS/PRNPM/EMF

Thousands of March Deportation memorial candles, still aflame, where cleaned up by tractor and shovels on Martens Square, Pärnu, Monday night, as townsfolk looked on. Many turned to social media to express their indignation at such an undignified way to end the event.

According to office of the President, numerous people also wrote to president Toomas Hendrik Ilves. The President, by Facebook, replied yesterday: «I’m embarrassed and ashamed that an affectionate memorial service for March deportations, in Pärnu, was terminated in such an unpleasant manner.»

According to Pärnu city government, clean-up work commenced pursuant to timetable provided by organisers of the event. «A public event application was filed to education and culture department of Pärnu city government by political party Pro Patria and Res Publica Union (IRL), desiring to light candles on Martens Square in memory of those deported. The event was scheduled to last from 18 pm to 21 pm, March 25^th,» states press release by Pärnu city government. «The application included description of the event, the timetable specified the time for cleaning up.»

Meelis Kukk, member of IRL’s Pärnu area board, apologised for having failed to properly consider the details of the event: «Regrettably, the ending time of the event, on application filed to city government, was 9 pm, followed by clean-up works on Martens Square by organisers. On behalf of IRL Pärnu department, I apologise for failure to properly consider the details of the event. I am sincerely sorry for what happened.»

Such lighting of candles in memory of March Deportations was organised for the fourth year in both Tallinn and Tartu. For Pärnu, it was the first time to participate.