The Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs wants to amend the law. Currently, organizers of demonstrations must be adults. According to the new law, 14-year-olds will also be able to organize demonstrations.
Peaceful assemblies and gatherings are very important for democracy. Both adults and children have the right to express their opinions. Children should be able to form associations and gather peacefully.
The law states that a 14-year-old person is responsible for their own actions. The police also see that people of this age understand their responsibilities. Therefore, 14-year-olds should be able to organize gatherings.
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa Pakosta says that young people should be able to express their opinions more. "The voice of young people is important," she said. She added that young people should not wait for an adult to organize a gathering for them.
The Minister emphasized that young people would not be left entirely without assistance. A parent must supervise the child until their 18th birthday. The police must also always be notified when minors organize a gathering.
The organizer is responsible for the safety of the gathering. This also applies to gatherings organized by minors. "If young people can express their opinions, they must also take responsibility for safety," said Pakosta.
According to Karl Erik Kirski, chairman of the Estonian Pupils' Union, the change is very good. "Demonstrations show the vitality of democracy," he said. Kirski mentioned that the old law was too strict and bureaucratic.
Kirski said that minors do not organize demonstrations very often. He recalled Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who organized demonstrations while still young.
Kirski believes that demonstrations have become more common in Estonia. He said that the state has a greater responsibility to ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful. "But that is not a reason why 14-year-olds should not organize demonstrations," he said.
Kirski added that youth councils and pupil unions should be more involved in demonstrations. He said that 14-year-olds already express their opinions. "We have simply had our hands tied when it comes to organizing demonstrations," said Kirski.