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'''2011 attack on Estonian Defence Ministry''' was an attack on ] building in ] on 11 August 2011 by Karen Drambjan ({{lang-hy|Կարեն Դրամբյան}}, {{lang-ru|Карэн Драмбян}},<ref>{{Cite web |title=На Министерство обороны напал Карэн Драмбян |date=11.08.2011 |url=http://www.dzd.ee/527860/na-ministerstvo-oborony-napal-karjen-drambjan/ |language=Russian }}</ref> 26 July 1954 – 11 August 2011).<ref name="delfi" /><ref name="riigikogu" /> He was shot dead in a firefight with the police, after he set off several explosives.<ref name="delfi">{{Cite news |title=Ansip ja Laar: tulistajal olid suured kavatsused |agency=] |date=2011-08-11 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/ansip-ja-laar-tulistajal-olid-suured-kavatsused.d?id=55573282&l=fplead |language=Estonian}}</ref><ref name="ERR">{{Cite web |author=Erkki Sivonen |title=Defense Ministry Shooter Was Member of United Left |date=2011-08-11 |url=http://news.err.ee/e7d5b3be-076e-4bb3-938c-59a2d79e9bab |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="AP">{{Cite news |title=Gunman killed in firefight with police after attack on Estonia's Defence Ministry |date=August 11, 2011 |author=Jari Tanner |agency=] |newspaper=] |url=http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/GB/20110811/CP01/308119937/-1/sag0806/gunman-killed-in-firefight-with-police-after-attack-on-estonias&template=cpArt }}</ref><ref name="Xinhua">{{Cite news |title=Estonian defense ministry shooter confirmed member of United Left |date=August 11, 2011 |agency=] |newspaper=xinhuanet |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-08/12/c_131044108.htm }}</ref><ref name="AFP">{{Cite news |title=Estonian gunman shot dead |date=August 12, 2011 |agency=] |newspaper=] |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/estonian-gunman-shot-dead/story-e6frg6so-1226113654906 }}</ref> '''2011 attack on Estonian Defence Ministry''' was an attack on ] building in ] on 11 August 2011 by Karen Drambjan ({{lang-hy|Կարեն Դրամբյան}}, {{lang-ru|link=no|Карэн Драмбян}},<ref>{{Cite web |title=На Министерство обороны напал Карэн Драмбян |date=11 August 2011 |url=http://www.dzd.ee/527860/na-ministerstvo-oborony-napal-karjen-drambjan/ |language=Russian }}</ref> 26 July 1954 – 11 August 2011).<ref name="delfi" /><ref name="riigikogu" /> He was shot dead in a firefight with the police, after he set off several explosives.<ref name="delfi">{{Cite news |title=Ansip ja Laar: tulistajal olid suured kavatsused |agency=] |date=11 August 2011 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/ansip-ja-laar-tulistajal-olid-suured-kavatsused.d?id=55573282&l=fplead |language=Estonian}}</ref><ref name="ERR">{{Cite web |author=Erkki Sivonen |title=Defense Ministry Shooter Was Member of United Left |date=11 August 2011 |url=http://news.err.ee/e7d5b3be-076e-4bb3-938c-59a2d79e9bab |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="AP">{{Cite news |title=Gunman killed in firefight with police after attack on Estonia's Defence Ministry |date=11 August 2011 |author=Jari Tanner |agency=] |newspaper=] |url=http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/GB/20110811/CP01/308119937/-1/sag0806/gunman-killed-in-firefight-with-police-after-attack-on-estonias&template=cpArt }}</ref><ref name="Xinhua">{{Cite news |title=Estonian defense ministry shooter confirmed member of United Left |date=11 August 2011 |agency=] |newspaper=xinhuanet |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-08/12/c_131044108.htm }}</ref><ref name="AFP">{{Cite news |title=Estonian gunman shot dead |date=12 August 2011 |agency=] |newspaper=] |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/estonian-gunman-shot-dead/story-e6frg6so-1226113654906 }}</ref>


== Attack on Estonian Defence Ministry == == Attack on Estonian Defence Ministry ==
On 11 August 2011 at around 15:00 hours local time Drambjan entered the ] headquarters building in central Tallinn armed with a pistol with about 100 rounds of ammunition and a bag containing ten to fifteen explosives. He opened fire in the entrance hall and detonated smoke bombs,<ref name="ERR" /> but was not able to pass a security gate and enter the interior of the building.<ref name="Xinhua" /> At the time the building was guarded by members of the ].<ref name="Õhtuleht">{{Cite journal |title=Kaitseministeeriumisse tungija oli Vasakpartei liige Karen Drambjan |author=Nataly Koppel |date=11 August 2011 |journal=] |url=http://ohtuleht.ee/438964 }}</ref> He temporarily held two people captive,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Prokuratuur: Drambjan võttis ajutiselt kaks inimest oma kontrolli alla |agency=] |date=2011-08-11 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/prokuratuur-drambjan-vottis-ajutiselt-kaks-inimest-oma-kontrolli-alla.d?id=55577500 |language=Estonian}}</ref> including one security guard.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Tulistaja lubas relvastamata inimesi mitte lasta |agency=] |date=2011-08-11 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/110_112/tulistaja-lubas-relvastamata-inimesi-mitte-lasta.d?id=55565310 |language=Estonian}}</ref> In a joint operation carried out by the police and the ], the police ] unit stormed the building and killed Drambjan in an exchange of fire.<ref name="Reuters">{{Cite news |title=Gunman killed after Estonian ministry shooting |agency=] |date=2011-08-11 |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/11/us-estonia-shooting-idUSTRE77A5WF20110811 |first=Patrick |last=Lannin}}</ref> On 11 August 2011 at around 15:00 hours local time Drambjan entered the ] headquarters building in central Tallinn armed with a pistol with about 100 rounds of ammunition and a bag containing ten to fifteen explosives. He opened fire in the entrance hall and detonated smoke bombs,<ref name="ERR" /> but was not able to pass a security gate and enter the interior of the building.<ref name="Xinhua" /> At the time the building was guarded by members of the ].<ref name="Õhtuleht">{{Cite journal |title=Kaitseministeeriumisse tungija oli Vasakpartei liige Karen Drambjan |author=Nataly Koppel |date=11 August 2011 |journal=] |url=http://ohtuleht.ee/438964 }}</ref> He temporarily held two people captive,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Prokuratuur: Drambjan võttis ajutiselt kaks inimest oma kontrolli alla |agency=] |date=11 August 2011 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/prokuratuur-drambjan-vottis-ajutiselt-kaks-inimest-oma-kontrolli-alla.d?id=55577500 |language=Estonian}}</ref> including one security guard.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Tulistaja lubas relvastamata inimesi mitte lasta |agency=] |date=11 August 2011 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/110_112/tulistaja-lubas-relvastamata-inimesi-mitte-lasta.d?id=55565310 |language=Estonian}}</ref> In a joint operation carried out by the police and the ], the police ] unit stormed the building and killed Drambjan in an exchange of fire.<ref name="Reuters">{{Cite news |title=Gunman killed after Estonian ministry shooting |agency=] |date=11 August 2011 |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/11/us-estonia-shooting-idUSTRE77A5WF20110811 |first=Patrick |last=Lannin}}</ref>


Defence minister ] was not in the building at the time.<ref name="AFP" /><ref>{{Cite news |title=Kaitseminister Mart Laar ei viibinud intsidendi ajal hoones |agency=] |date=2011-08-11 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/kaitseminister-mart-laar-ei-viibinud-intsidendi-ajal-hoones.d?id=55569056 |language=Estonian}}</ref> Defence minister ] was not in the building at the time.<ref name="AFP" /><ref>{{Cite news |title=Kaitseminister Mart Laar ei viibinud intsidendi ajal hoones |agency=] |date=11 August 2011 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/kaitseminister-mart-laar-ei-viibinud-intsidendi-ajal-hoones.d?id=55569056 |language=Estonian}}</ref>


=== Reactions === === Reactions ===


* Estonian prime minister ] believes Drambjan may have been inspired by the ].<ref name="delfi"/><ref name="ERR" /><ref name="Xinhua" /><ref>{{Cite journal |title=Viron pääministeri panttivanki-iskusta: Idea ehkä Norjan tapahtumista * Estonian prime minister ] believes Drambjan may have been inspired by the ].<ref name="delfi"/><ref name="ERR" /><ref name="Xinhua" /><ref>{{Cite journal |title=Viron pääministeri panttivanki-iskusta: Idea ehkä Norjan tapahtumista
|date=11.08.2011 |journal=] |url=http://www.iltasanomat.fi/ulkomaat/viron-paaministeri-panttivanki-iskusta-idea-ehka-norjan-tapahtumista/art-1288407009989.html |language=Finnish}}</ref> |date=11 August 2011 |journal=] |url=http://www.iltasanomat.fi/ulkomaat/viron-paaministeri-panttivanki-iskusta-idea-ehka-norjan-tapahtumista/art-1288407009989.html |language=Finnish}}</ref>
* ], a Russian Estonian politician, believes Drambjan was driven into his act by personal problems, not political motivations.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Klenski: Drambjan oli äkiline mees |date=11.08.2011 |author=Teelemari Loonet |journal=] |url=http://www.postimees.ee/527864/klenski-drambjan-oli-akiline-mees/ |language=Estonian}}</ref> * ], a Russian Estonian politician, believes Drambjan was driven into his act by personal problems, not political motivations.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Klenski: Drambjan oli äkiline mees |date=11 August 2011 |author=Teelemari Loonet |journal=] |url=http://www.postimees.ee/527864/klenski-drambjan-oli-akiline-mees/ |language=Estonian}}</ref>
* ], leader of the United Left Party, accuses Defence Minister ] of unjustly associating the actions of Drambjan with the United Left Party.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Vasakpartei juht: Drambjani parteilise kuuluvuse rõhutamine on kohatu |journal=] |date=2011-08-12 |url=http://www.postimees.ee/528230/vasakpartei-juht-drambjani-parteilise-kuuluvuse-rohutamine-on-kohatu/ |language=Estonian}}</ref> * ], leader of the United Left Party, accuses Defence Minister ] of unjustly associating the actions of Drambjan with the United Left Party.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Vasakpartei juht: Drambjani parteilise kuuluvuse rõhutamine on kohatu |journal=] |date=12 August 2011 |url=http://www.postimees.ee/528230/vasakpartei-juht-drambjani-parteilise-kuuluvuse-rohutamine-on-kohatu/ |language=Estonian}}</ref>
* ], the Estonian defence minister, said Estonia will investigate whether the "massive propaganda attack against Estonia" launched by Russia in the previous week was a factor that inspired Drambjan's attack.<ref name="Washington Times">{{Cite journal |title=Estonian gunman echoed Russian propaganda |author=Eli Lake |journal=] |date=August 14, 2011 |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/aug/14/estonian-gunman-echoed-russian-propaganda/ }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |title=Washington Times: Drambjani võis ajendada Vene propaganda |author=Meelis Mandel |journal=Äripaev |date=15.8.2011 |url=http://www.ap3.ee/Default.aspx?PublicationId=6a6d564a-5122-479b-a8cb-a334ef023117 |language=Estonian }}</ref> * ], the Estonian defence minister, said Estonia will investigate whether the "massive propaganda attack against Estonia" launched by Russia in the previous week was a factor that inspired Drambjan's attack.<ref name="Washington Times">{{Cite journal |title=Estonian gunman echoed Russian propaganda |author=Eli Lake |journal=] |date=14 August 2011 |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/aug/14/estonian-gunman-echoed-russian-propaganda/ }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |title=Washington Times: Drambjani võis ajendada Vene propaganda |author=Meelis Mandel |journal=Äripaev |date=15 August 2011 |url=http://www.ap3.ee/Default.aspx?PublicationId=6a6d564a-5122-479b-a8cb-a334ef023117 |language=Estonian }}</ref>


==Karen Drambjan== ==Karen Drambjan==
Drambjan was born in ], and graduated with a law degree from ] in 1992.<ref name="riigikogu" /> In 1993 he was granted Estonian citizenship.<ref name="AFP" /><ref name="Õhtuleht" /> Drambjan was born in ], and graduated with a law degree from ] in 1992.<ref name="riigikogu" /> In 1993 he was granted Estonian citizenship.<ref name="AFP" /><ref name="Õhtuleht" />


Drambjan ran a ] in ].<ref name="Xinhua" /><ref name="Õhtuleht" /><ref name="Salu" /> In 2007 he defended ],<ref name="Salu" /> the spokeswoman of ] on charges stemming from a standoff with police near the ] before the ],<ref>{{Cite web |title=RIIGIKOHUS LOPETTI LARISSA NEŠTŠADIMOVA OSALTA VÄÄRTEOMENETLUSE |date=15.01.2009 |publisher=] |url=http://www.riigikohus.ee/?id=985}}</ref><ref name="Izvestia">{{Cite journal |title=Эстонская Фемида похожа на колхозницу с безменом |date=21 May 2008 |journal=] |url=http://www.izvestia.ru/news/336721 |language=Russian }}</ref> but had to yield the case to a "more qualified" lawyer as the case moved toward the ].<ref name="Salu" /> Drambjan ran a ] in ].<ref name="Xinhua" /><ref name="Õhtuleht" /><ref name="Salu" /> In 2007 he defended ],<ref name="Salu" /> the spokeswoman of ] on charges stemming from a standoff with police near the ] before the ],<ref>{{Cite web |title=RIIGIKOHUS LOPETTI LARISSA NEŠTŠADIMOVA OSALTA VÄÄRTEOMENETLUSE |date=15 January 2009 |publisher=] |url=http://www.riigikohus.ee/?id=985}}</ref><ref name="Izvestia">{{Cite journal |title=Эстонская Фемида похожа на колхозницу с безменом |date=21 May 2008 |journal=] |url=http://www.izvestia.ru/news/336721 |language=Russian }}</ref> but had to yield the case to a "more qualified" lawyer as the case moved toward the ].<ref name="Salu" />


Drambjan was divorced and had two daughters from the marriage.<ref name="AFP" /><ref name="Kornõševa">{{Cite news |title=Drambjani lähedalt tundnud inimene: ta lasi end teistel tappa |author=Margarita Kornõševa |agency=] |date=2011-08-11 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/drambjani-lahedalt-tundnud-inimene-ta-lasi-end-teistel-tappa.d?id=55578070 |language=Estonian}}</ref> In 2011 he had run into financial difficulties and his apartment in Maardu was sold by court ]s.<ref name="AFP" /><ref name="Reuters" /><ref name="Kornõševa" /><ref>{{Cite news |title=Karen Drambjani kinnisvara oli sundmüügis |agency=] |date=2011-08-11 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/karen-drambjani-kinnisvara-oli-sundmuugis.d?id=55576380 |language=Estonian}}</ref> Drambjan was divorced and had two daughters from the marriage.<ref name="AFP" /><ref name="Kornõševa">{{Cite news |title=Drambjani lähedalt tundnud inimene: ta lasi end teistel tappa |author=Margarita Kornõševa |agency=] |date=11 August 2011 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/drambjani-lahedalt-tundnud-inimene-ta-lasi-end-teistel-tappa.d?id=55578070 |language=Estonian}}</ref> In 2011 he had run into financial difficulties and his apartment in Maardu was sold by court ]s.<ref name="AFP" /><ref name="Reuters" /><ref name="Kornõševa" /><ref>{{Cite news |title=Karen Drambjani kinnisvara oli sundmüügis |agency=] |date=11 August 2011 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/karen-drambjani-kinnisvara-oli-sundmuugis.d?id=55576380 |language=Estonian}}</ref>


== Political activity == == Political activity ==
Drambjan was a member of the ], a successor of the ],<ref>{{cite book |title=Post-communist EU member states: parties and party systems |last=Jungerstam-Mulders |first=Susanne |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=2006 |publisher=Ashgate Publishing |location= |isbn=978-0-7546-4712-6 |page=41 |pages= |url= |accessdate=}}</ref> which sought to represent the Russian minority in Estonia.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Explosion and shooting at Estonian Defense Ministry |date=11 August 2011 |agency=] |url=http://rt.com/news/estonia-defense-ministry-shooting/ }}</ref> In the ] he was a candidate for the ].<ref name="riigikogu"></ref> According to the ] the Constitution Party was a puppet-party supported and controlled from ], created by the ] (SVR) in 2007 as part of their campaign of "]".<ref>{{Cite book |title=Annual Review 2007 |publisher=] |chapter=Counterintelligence |year=2008 |location=Tallinn |page=8 |url=http://www.kapo.ee/cms-data/_text/138/124/files/aastaraamat-2007-eng.pdf }}</ref> Drambjan was a member of the ], a successor of the ],<ref>{{cite book |title=Post-communist EU member states: parties and party systems |last=Jungerstam-Mulders |first=Susanne |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=2006 |publisher=Ashgate Publishing |location= |isbn=978-0-7546-4712-6 |page=41 |pages= |url= |accessdate=}}</ref> which sought to represent the Russian minority in Estonia.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Explosion and shooting at Estonian Defense Ministry |date=11 August 2011 |agency=] |url=http://rt.com/news/estonia-defense-ministry-shooting/ }}</ref> In the ] he was a candidate for the ].<ref name="riigikogu"></ref> According to the ] the Constitution Party was a puppet-party supported and controlled from Russia, created by the ] (SVR) in 2007 as part of their campaign of "]".<ref>{{Cite book |title=Annual Review 2007 |publisher=] |chapter=Counterintelligence |year=2008 |location=Tallinn |page=8 |url=http://www.kapo.ee/cms-data/_text/138/124/files/aastaraamat-2007-eng.pdf }}</ref>


In the ], after the fusion of the Constitution Party with the ] he was a candidate for the newly formed Estonian United Left Party in the Russian dominated ] munincipality, but failed to get elected.<ref name="ERR" /><ref name="Õhtuleht" /><ref>{{Cite news |title=Kaitseministeeriumi tulistaja oli Eestimaa Ühendatud Vasakpartei liige Karen Drambjan |agency=] |date=2011-08-11 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/kaitseministeeriumi-tulistaja-oli-eestimaa-uhendatud-vasakpartei-liige-karen-drambjan.d?id=55573208 |language=Estonian}}</ref> He was known as a fierce supporter of Maardu mayor ].<ref name="Salu">{{Cite journal |title=Tuttavad: äkilise loomuga Drambjan kaitses oma seisukohti vihaga |date=12.08.2011 |author=Mikk Salu |journal=] |url=http://www.postimees.ee/527956/tuttavad-akilise-loomuga-drambjan-kaitses-oma-seisukohti-vihaga/ |language=Estonian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Быстров может уйти в отставку, а к власти в Маарду придут реформисты |work=] |date=19.05.2010 |url=http://www.dzd.ee/264668/bystrov-mozhet-ujti-v-otstavku-a-k-vlasti-v-maardu-pridut-reformisty/ |language=Russian }}</ref> In the ], after the fusion of the Constitution Party with the ] he was a candidate for the newly formed Estonian United Left Party in the Russian dominated ] munincipality, but failed to get elected.<ref name="ERR" /><ref name="Õhtuleht" /><ref>{{Cite news |title=Kaitseministeeriumi tulistaja oli Eestimaa Ühendatud Vasakpartei liige Karen Drambjan |agency=] |date=11 August 2011 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/kaitseministeeriumi-tulistaja-oli-eestimaa-uhendatud-vasakpartei-liige-karen-drambjan.d?id=55573208 |language=Estonian}}</ref> He was known as a fierce supporter of Maardu mayor ].<ref name="Salu">{{Cite journal |title=Tuttavad: äkilise loomuga Drambjan kaitses oma seisukohti vihaga |date=12 August 2011 |author=Mikk Salu |journal=] |url=http://www.postimees.ee/527956/tuttavad-akilise-loomuga-drambjan-kaitses-oma-seisukohti-vihaga/ |language=Estonian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Быстров может уйти в отставку, а к власти в Маарду придут реформисты |work=] |date=19 May 2010 |url=http://www.dzd.ee/264668/bystrov-mozhet-ujti-v-otstavku-a-k-vlasti-v-maardu-pridut-reformisty/ |language=Russian }}</ref>


During campaigning for the ], Drambjan published a manifesto denouncing Estonia as a morally bankrupt neo-Fascist country, contending the Estonian government had chosen civil war in its relationship with the Russian minority and chastising the Russian community for its ] mentality in the face of discrimination.<ref name="manifest-et">{{Cite news |title=Kaitseministeeriumi hõivaja manifest: valitsus on valinud kodusõja tee |agency=] |date=2011-08-12 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/kaitseministeeriumi-hoivaja-manifest-valitsus-on-valinud-kodusoja-tee.d?id=55587792 |language=Estonian}}</ref><ref name="manifest-ru">{{Cite news |title=Драмбян: эстонское правительство уже выбрало гражданскую войну |agency=] |date=2011-08-12 |url=http://rus.delfi.ee/daily/estonia/drambyan-estonskoe-pravitelstvo-uzhe-vybralo-grazhdanskuyu-vojnu.d?id=55591822 |language=Russian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Если дорог тебе твой дом... |author=Karen Drambjan |work=slavia.ee |url=http://www.slavia.ee/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1734:2009-03-24-09-43-48&catid=85:vybory5 |language=Russian }}</ref><ref name="BBN">{{Cite web |title=Who was the shooter in the defence ministry? |date=12.08.2011 |author=Toomas Hõbemäg |url=http://balticbusinessnews.com/article/2011/8/12/who-was-the-shooter-in-the-defence-ministry |work=Baltic Business News |publisher=] }}</ref><ref name="ERR2">{{Cite web |author=Heikki Aasaru |title=Drambjan: Eesti valitsus on juba valinud kodusõja tee |date=2011-08-12 |url=http://uudised.err.ee/index.php?06232728 |publisher=] |language=Estonian }}</ref><ref name="Washington Times" /> During campaigning for the ], Drambjan published a manifesto denouncing Estonia as a morally bankrupt neo-Fascist country, contending the Estonian government had chosen civil war in its relationship with the Russian minority and chastising the Russian community for its ] mentality in the face of discrimination.<ref name="manifest-et">{{Cite news |title=Kaitseministeeriumi hõivaja manifest: valitsus on valinud kodusõja tee |agency=] |date=12 August 2011 |url=http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/kaitseministeeriumi-hoivaja-manifest-valitsus-on-valinud-kodusoja-tee.d?id=55587792 |language=Estonian}}</ref><ref name="manifest-ru">{{Cite news |title=Драмбян: эстонское правительство уже выбрало гражданскую войну |agency=] |date=12 August 2011 |url=http://rus.delfi.ee/daily/estonia/drambyan-estonskoe-pravitelstvo-uzhe-vybralo-grazhdanskuyu-vojnu.d?id=55591822 |language=Russian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Если дорог тебе твой дом... |author=Karen Drambjan |work=slavia.ee |url=http://www.slavia.ee/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1734:2009-03-24-09-43-48&catid=85:vybory5 |language=Russian }}</ref><ref name="BBN">{{Cite web |title=Who was the shooter in the defence ministry? |date=12 August 2011 |author=Toomas Hõbemäg |url=http://balticbusinessnews.com/article/2011/8/12/who-was-the-shooter-in-the-defence-ministry |work=Baltic Business News |publisher=] }}</ref><ref name="ERR2">{{Cite web |author=Heikki Aasaru |title=Drambjan: Eesti valitsus on juba valinud kodusõja tee |date=12 August 2011 |url=http://uudised.err.ee/index.php?06232728 |publisher=] |language=Estonian }}</ref><ref name="Washington Times" />


==References== ==References==

Revision as of 02:31, 7 April 2014

2011 attack on Estonian Defence Ministry was an attack on Estonian Ministry of Defence building in Tallinn on 11 August 2011 by Karen Drambjan (Template:Lang-hy, Template:Lang-ru, 26 July 1954 – 11 August 2011). He was shot dead in a firefight with the police, after he set off several explosives.

Attack on Estonian Defence Ministry

On 11 August 2011 at around 15:00 hours local time Drambjan entered the Estonian Ministry of Defence headquarters building in central Tallinn armed with a pistol with about 100 rounds of ammunition and a bag containing ten to fifteen explosives. He opened fire in the entrance hall and detonated smoke bombs, but was not able to pass a security gate and enter the interior of the building. At the time the building was guarded by members of the Estonian Defence League. He temporarily held two people captive, including one security guard. In a joint operation carried out by the police and the Kaitsepolitsei, the police K-Commando unit stormed the building and killed Drambjan in an exchange of fire.

Defence minister Mart Laar was not in the building at the time.

Reactions

  • Estonian prime minister Andrus Ansip believes Drambjan may have been inspired by the 2011 Norway attacks.
  • Dimitri Klenski, a Russian Estonian politician, believes Drambjan was driven into his act by personal problems, not political motivations.
  • Sergei Jürgens, leader of the United Left Party, accuses Defence Minister Mart Laar of unjustly associating the actions of Drambjan with the United Left Party.
  • Mart Laar, the Estonian defence minister, said Estonia will investigate whether the "massive propaganda attack against Estonia" launched by Russia in the previous week was a factor that inspired Drambjan's attack.

Karen Drambjan

Drambjan was born in Yerevan, and graduated with a law degree from Kaliningrad State University in 1992. In 1993 he was granted Estonian citizenship.

Drambjan ran a law firm in Maardu. In 2007 he defended Larissa Neštšadimova, the spokeswoman of Nochnoy Dozor on charges stemming from a standoff with police near the Bronze Soldier before the Bronze Nights, but had to yield the case to a "more qualified" lawyer as the case moved toward the Supreme Court of Estonia.

Drambjan was divorced and had two daughters from the marriage. In 2011 he had run into financial difficulties and his apartment in Maardu was sold by court bailiffs.

Political activity

Drambjan was a member of the Estonian United Left Party, a successor of the Estonian Communist Party, which sought to represent the Russian minority in Estonia. In the 2007 parliamentary elections in Estonia he was a candidate for the Constitution Party. According to the Estonian Security Police the Constitution Party was a puppet-party supported and controlled from Russia, created by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) in 2007 as part of their campaign of "political intelligence manipulations".

In the 2009 municipal elections, after the fusion of the Constitution Party with the Estonian Left Party he was a candidate for the newly formed Estonian United Left Party in the Russian dominated Maardu munincipality, but failed to get elected. He was known as a fierce supporter of Maardu mayor Georgi Bõstrov.

During campaigning for the 2009 European Parliament election, Drambjan published a manifesto denouncing Estonia as a morally bankrupt neo-Fascist country, contending the Estonian government had chosen civil war in its relationship with the Russian minority and chastising the Russian community for its slavish mentality in the face of discrimination.

References

  1. "На Министерство обороны напал Карэн Драмбян" (in Russian). 11 August 2011.
  2. ^ "Ansip ja Laar: tulistajal olid suured kavatsused" (in Estonian). Delfi.ee. 11 August 2011.
  3. ^ Karen Drambjan 26 July 1954
  4. ^ Erkki Sivonen (11 August 2011). "Defense Ministry Shooter Was Member of United Left". Estonian Public Broadcasting.
  5. Jari Tanner (11 August 2011). "Gunman killed in firefight with police after attack on Estonia's Defence Ministry". St. Albert Gazette. Associated Press.
  6. ^ "Estonian defense ministry shooter confirmed member of United Left". xinhuanet. Xinhua. 11 August 2011.
  7. ^ "Estonian gunman shot dead". The Australian. Agence France-Presse. 12 August 2011.
  8. ^ Nataly Koppel (11 August 2011). "Kaitseministeeriumisse tungija oli Vasakpartei liige Karen Drambjan". Õhtuleht.
  9. "Prokuratuur: Drambjan võttis ajutiselt kaks inimest oma kontrolli alla" (in Estonian). Delfi.ee. 11 August 2011.
  10. "Tulistaja lubas relvastamata inimesi mitte lasta" (in Estonian). Delfi.ee. 11 August 2011.
  11. ^ Lannin, Patrick (11 August 2011). "Gunman killed after Estonian ministry shooting". Reuters.
  12. "Kaitseminister Mart Laar ei viibinud intsidendi ajal hoones" (in Estonian). Delfi.ee. 11 August 2011.
  13. "Viron pääministeri panttivanki-iskusta: Idea ehkä Norjan tapahtumista". Ilta-Sanomat (in Finnish). 11 August 2011.
  14. Teelemari Loonet (11 August 2011). "Klenski: Drambjan oli äkiline mees". Postimees (in Estonian).
  15. "Vasakpartei juht: Drambjani parteilise kuuluvuse rõhutamine on kohatu". Postimees (in Estonian). 12 August 2011.
  16. ^ Eli Lake (14 August 2011). "Estonian gunman echoed Russian propaganda". Washington Times.
  17. Meelis Mandel (15 August 2011). "Washington Times: Drambjani võis ajendada Vene propaganda". Äripaev (in Estonian).
  18. ^ Mikk Salu (12 August 2011). "Tuttavad: äkilise loomuga Drambjan kaitses oma seisukohti vihaga". Postimees (in Estonian).
  19. "RIIGIKOHUS LOPETTI LARISSA NEŠTŠADIMOVA OSALTA VÄÄRTEOMENETLUSE". Supreme Court of Estonia. 15 January 2009.
  20. "Эстонская Фемида похожа на колхозницу с безменом". Izvestia (in Russian). 21 May 2008.
  21. ^ Margarita Kornõševa (11 August 2011). "Drambjani lähedalt tundnud inimene: ta lasi end teistel tappa" (in Estonian). Delfi.ee.
  22. "Karen Drambjani kinnisvara oli sundmüügis" (in Estonian). Delfi.ee. 11 August 2011.
  23. Jungerstam-Mulders, Susanne (2006). Post-communist EU member states: parties and party systems. Ashgate Publishing. p. 41. ISBN 978-0-7546-4712-6. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  24. "Explosion and shooting at Estonian Defense Ministry". RT. 11 August 2011.
  25. "Counterintelligence". Annual Review 2007 (PDF). Tallinn: Estonian Security Police. 2008. p. 8.
  26. "Kaitseministeeriumi tulistaja oli Eestimaa Ühendatud Vasakpartei liige Karen Drambjan" (in Estonian). Delfi.ee. 11 August 2011.
  27. "Быстров может уйти в отставку, а к власти в Маарду придут реформисты". DzD.ee (in Russian). 19 May 2010.
  28. "Kaitseministeeriumi hõivaja manifest: valitsus on valinud kodusõja tee" (in Estonian). Delfi.ee. 12 August 2011.
  29. "Драмбян: эстонское правительство уже выбрало гражданскую войну" (in Russian). Delfi.ee. 12 August 2011.
  30. Karen Drambjan. "Если дорог тебе твой дом..." slavia.ee (in Russian).
  31. Toomas Hõbemäg (12 August 2011). "Who was the shooter in the defence ministry?". Baltic Business News. Äripeav.
  32. Heikki Aasaru (12 August 2011). "Drambjan: Eesti valitsus on juba valinud kodusõja tee" (in Estonian). Estonian Public Broadcasting.
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