A final decision has been reached regarding the remains of Jüri Vilms, a notable figure in Estonia's history and the first Minister of Justice, which will remain undisturbed at the Pilistvere cemetery. This decision puts an end to a contentious debate that arose from the Estonian War Museum's plan to excavate the remains for examination and DNA analysis, a plan that faced significant opposition from local groups. The discussions began in July 2022 when the museum, alongside the Estonian Heritage Society, sought permission for the excavation, navigating complex legal and ethical concerns surrounding the treatment of the deceased and the historical significance of Vilms, who was executed during the War of Independence.

Tensions escalated when the Pilistvere Parish sought legal protection to halt the excavations, culminating in court proceedings that delayed the process. Initially scheduled to commence on August 28, 2022, the excavations were suspended for 30 days at the request of the parish. This sparked a protracted legal battle lasting six months, during which the local community expressed concerns about the potential disturbance of what they viewed as a historically sensitive site. Ultimately, a settlement was reached between the museum and the Pilistvere Parish on February 6, resulting in a mutual agreement to end the legal dispute and outlining future procedures for handling any similar disagreements that may arise regarding burial sites and heritage remains.