The Russian Ambassador to Estonia Yury Merzlayakov has visited the graveside of Hero of the Soviet Union Arnold Meri on the second death anniversary of this brave Soviet soldier. Arnold Meri won his distinction in 1941 for prowess in battles with the Nazis near the Russian city of Pskov.
The Estonian authorities charged him with complicity in the deportation of 251 Estonian civilians to Siberia in 1949.
Russia strongly opposed Estonian moves to prosecute Mr. Meri.
Arnold Meri did not live to see the end of his trial. He died in March 2009.