Internal Security Day is celebrated on 1 December because that day marks the successful suppression of an attempted coup to overthrow the Government of the Republic of Estonia using weapons and money received from the Soviet Union and to establish a communist regime in Estonia in 1924. In the course of the unrest, 26 civilians and members of the government forces were killed.
About the history of 1 December
- On 1 December 1924, a communist coup took place in Estonia, aimed at overthrowing the appointed government and establishing a communist regime in Estonia.
- The uprising was directed from the Soviet Union, where tens of specially trained fighters and Communist Party activists were secretly sent to Estonia. The communist activities also included one of the leaders of the Estonian communists, Jaan Anvelt.
- At first, the putsch was successful: the residence of the head of state was taken over, as was the Tallinn railway stations, the main post office and some military garrisons.
- The Government then declared martial war, appointed Lieutenant General Johan Laidoner as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and granted additional rights to the heads of divisions. The plans to take over the Tondi Military School, the Ministry of War and other buildings failed, and the uprising was suppressed on the same day.
- Riots were also planned in Pärnu, but those were never carried out.
- On 1 December 1924, 26 civilians and members of the government forces were killed, 25 soldiers and 16 civilians were injured. Of the members of the Government, the then Minister of Roads, Karl Kark, was killed.
- After the suppression of the attempted uprising, the previously largely forgotten Defence League was brought back to life and the political police was reorganised.
What traditionally takes place on Internal Security Day?
- In the early morning of 1 December, the Estonian Military Academy holds a commemorative event at the Monument to the Tondi Boys in front of the Tondi Military School in the memory of the cadets who were killed in the successful suppression of the uprising in 1924.
- The Police and Border Guard Board lights candles at the Rahumäe Cemetery in Tallinn and places a wreath to commemorate those that were killed in the uprising as well as the police officers who have been killed in Tallinn and Harju County.
Last updated: 18.04.2023
