In Estonia, there has been growing concern regarding police behavior during recent protests. Officers in plain clothes have reportedly approached protesters to ask for identification and take photos of their ID cards without any apparent legal reason. A representative from the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) stated that these actions are part of an assessment for potential threats, and emphasized that there is no database containing information about protesters. This practice has sparked discussions about the constitutional rights related to peaceful assembly in Estonia.

A protester who was at the demonstration near Kadriorg Palace in Tallinn recounted their experience of being stopped by plain-clothed officers who requested to see their ID and took photographs of their identification cards. While the officers presented their credentials, they did not provide clarity on the rationale for photographing these documents. Witnesses suggest this is not an isolated incident and have expressed apprehension about the implications for civil liberties and the right to protest.

The situation has raised important questions about the balance between public safety and the right to free assembly in Estonia. As protests become a more common form of expression, scrutiny of police practices in managing public demonstrations may increase. The PPA’s statement that they do not retain such data may be an effort to quell fears over surveillance and privacy concerns, but it has also highlighted the need for clearer guidelines and accountability in law enforcement's interaction with demonstrators.