Information on "Kodukaitse" members mistreating and conducting robberies in houses of non-citizens, and police complicity in or response to these acts [EST17838.E]

A BBC Summary report indicates that the Kodukaitse (Home Defence Guard) is an independent organization of volunteers who assist the police in carrying out their duties (28 Jan. 1993). The same source indicates that the head of the Kodukaitse is Uuno Ellen, who is also director-general of the police department (14 May 1994). Ellen was appointed on 10 May 1994 by the Estonian cabinet (ibid.).

The Current Digest of the Post-Soviet Press reports attacks on Russian Army units by members of the Kodukaitse, Kaitseliit and Estonian military (29 July 1992). This source also indicates that no action was taken by the authorities to investigate these events (ibid.).

Further information on this subject is currently unavailable to the DIRB in Ottawa.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 14 May 1994. "Police Chief to Become Acting Kodukaitse Commander." (NEXIS)

. 28 January 1993. "Kodukaitse Struggles for Recognition of Its Work." (NEXIS)

Current Digest of the Post-Soviet Press. 29 July 1992. Leonid Levitski. "Positions Harden in Russian-Estonian Face-Off." (NEXIS).

Attachments

Baltfax [Moscow, in English]. 18 June 1992. "Police, Home Guard Ready to Ensure Law, Order." (FBIS-SOV-92-119 19 June 1992, p. 87)

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 14 May 1994. "Police Chief to Become Acting Kodukaitse Commander." (NEXIS)

. 28 January 1993. "Kodukaitse Struggles for Recognition of Its Work." (NEXIS)

Current Digest of the Post-Soviet Press. 29 July 1992. Leonid Levitski. "Positions Harden in Russian-Estonian Face-Off." (NEXIS).