Mark Sirõk

Mark Sirõk[1] (Russian: Марк Сирык, born 12 March 1989) is a Russian-speaking Estonian political activist. He is designated as a commissar of the pro-Kremlin youth movement Nashi[2] and a leader of the movement in Estonia.[3]

The Bronze Night in 2007

Sirõk has mainly garnered attention in relation to the Bronze Night riots in Tallinn that left 150 people injured in April 2007. After the riots, he was arrested and together with Dmitri Linter, Dmitri Klenski and Maksim Reva later tried for inciting rioting.[4][5] Among other evidence, investigation by the Estonian Internal Security Service had claimed that he had been organizing the "guard" near the Bronze Soldier by sending SMS's offering a pay of 80 Estonian kroons per hour, a rate somewhat higher than the average salary at that time, at several times higher than the minimum wage.[6] The cash to be paid for the "guards" had been allegedly received from Russia.[7]

All four were acquitted by the district court in January 2009, the ruling has upheld by Tallinn Court of Appeal in April, and the Supreme Court refused to review the case in July.[8]

Political views

In an interview with Eesti Ekspress, Sirõk has said he supports the constitution of Estonia and is not anti-Estonian. In particular, he highlighted his work in neutralising anti-Estonian sentiment, which he said was widespread among Nashi members.[9] At the time of interview, Sirõk had not voted in any Estonian elections on account of his youth, but said he would likely vote for Keskerakond in future elections.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ He is also known as Mark Siryk after double transliteration through Cyrillic, and his name is sometimes alternatively spelt Mark Sirök or Mark Sirők. In English-language texts, Mark Sirok is also used.
  2. ^ Nashi: Марк Сирык: "Фашизм не пройдет!" (in Russian)
  3. ^ Photo #180275: Mark Siryk, the leader of Russia's youth "Nashi" movement in Estonia[dead link]
  4. ^ USA Today[dead link]
  5. ^ Channel 4[dead link]
  6. ^ Kuimet, Peeter (2007-04-26). "Vene noori palgatakse Tõnismäele valvama". Postimees (in Estonian). ExpressMeedia. Archived from the original on 2012-09-06. Retrieved 2009-06-04.
  7. ^ Berendson, Risto (2007-10-19). "Aprillirahutusi suunas raha ja nõuga Venemaa". Postimees (in Estonian). EkspressMeedia. Archived from the original on 2007-10-20. Retrieved 2009-06-04.
  8. ^ V. Pettai M. Molder Estonia p. 207// Nations in Transit. Freedom House 2010 Archived 2011-01-14 at WebCite
  9. ^ a b ekspress.ee (registration required) (in Estonian)