Witnesses decry 'brutal' police stop of teen on electric motorcycle in Tallinn

A police stop of a 14-year-old boy riding an electric motorcycle in Tallinn's Old Town on August 6 has sparked controversy, with witnesses describing the encounter as excessively harsh. The incident occurred near the KuKu club, where a 70th birthday celebration was taking place.

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The police car came with tremendous speed and cut off the young man on his little vehicle quite brutally. The police officer grabbed the young man by the throat.

Erich Krieger, an eyewitness, recounted the event, stating that a police car "came with tremendous speed and cut off the young man on his little vehicle quite brutally." Krieger added, "The police officer grabbed the young man by the throat." He expressed sympathy for the boy, noting he cried on the street for nearly two hours. Krieger's wife also witnessed the event, emphasizing the boy's distress.

Police, however, stated that the vehicle was an unregistered electric motorcycle and the minor did not possess the appropriate driving license. They maintained that neither people nor property were harmed during the pursuit. Despite the police's explanation, onlookers questioned the severity of the officer's actions, asking, "What did this boy do to be treated so harshly?"

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I felt very sorry for the child. He cried on the street for almost two hours.

The incident has raised questions about police conduct when dealing with minors, particularly concerning the use of force. While the police assert they were enforcing traffic laws, witnesses like Krieger believe the treatment was disproportionate to the offense.

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What did this boy do to be treated so harshly?