Estonia does not agree with racist utterances - ombudsman

Photo: Peeter Langovits

The Estonian state does not agree with the racist sentiments recently expressed in local media, the commissioner for gender equality and equal treatment says.

"Everyone's right to be free from discrimination is an essential human right. But nobody has the right to express oneself in an insulting manner or incite others to hatred, racism and labeling of people because of their ethnic origin, skin color or religion. Estonia as a democratic society cannot accept such behavior," the commissioner, Mari-Liis Sepper, told BNS.

"In a rule of law state like Estonia all people have the right to be free from hatred, exclusion, discrimination. The Estonian legislator and law practitioners stand up for those rights being defendable and offenders against them getting punished," Sepper stated.

"Misanthropy and racism are caused by fear and stupidity. Attitudes that some people are less valuable because of belonging to an ethnic or religious minority lead to discrimination and exclusion," the ombudsman said.

Sepper stated that all people who feel they have received less favorable treatment on the grounds of their ethnic origin, skin color or religion are welcome to turn to her.

Appearing on a recent talk show of Tallinn TV, Martin Helme, a board member of the Estonian Conservative People's Party, called to deny asylum to dark-skinned people. Also, last Saturday an event took place at a pub in Tartu at which the bands PWA (Preserve White Aryans) and Revalers from Tallinn, RMV (Racially Motivated Violence) from Tartu and Civic Duty and Marder from Finland performed to neo-Nazi skinheads and sympathizers from both countries. During the concert a swastika flag was displayed in the pub.

According to media, the police put pressure on owners of several venues where the organizers wanted to hold the event.