In Estonia, a 16-year-old teenager has been charged over a series of arson attacks targeting cars and food establishments in Tallinn, which investigators believe were motivated by extremist views. As ERR News reports, a 19-year-old man has also been charged in a case involving a hammer attack.
Arson attacks on cars and food establishments
According to the prosecutor’s office, the 16-year-old defendant systematically set fire to cars and food establishments linked, according to investigators, to members of ethnic minorities. The damage caused by these actions is estimated at more than €82,000.
Investigators allege that the teenager used lighter fluid or bottles of gasoline. He is accused of repeatedly setting fire to cars belonging to members of ethnic minorities, as well as a kebab kiosk on Akadeemia tee Street in the Mustamäe district and an Indian restaurant on the nearby Rahumäe tee Street.
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At the time the restaurant was set on fire, a person was inside, which, according to the prosecution materials, endangered that person’s life and health. The prosecutor’s office says the evidence collected indicates the 16-year-old held anti-Islamic, anti-Muslim and anti-immigration views. Those identified as victims are predominantly citizens of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nigeria who had lived and worked in Estonia for a long time.
Hammer attack
In June, the 16-year-old and 19-year-old defendants, according to the prosecutor’s office, followed the victim and attacked him with a hammer. Both have been charged with attempted infliction of life-threatening bodily injuries.
Vadim Kupershtein, head of the Crimes Against Persons Department at the Criminal Bureau of the Northern Prefecture, said the cases initially appeared unrelated, but police established a common circle of victims. According to him, the young men tried to avoid detection and conceal evidence, but they were identified and detained in June. Both are currently in custody.
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