After Release
Having been released from captivity, he took actively part in Estonia’s process of regaining independence. He participated radical pro-independence movement (while not being a member of ERSP) and was elected deputy of Congress of Estonia (Eesti Kongress). Tarto was one of the organisers of the protest march around the Soviet military base near Tartu on March 8, 1989. Tartu had co-ordinated it with Dzhokhar Dudayev, who was serving there as the chief of garrison.
Enn Tarto together with Linnart Mäll took part in founding the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation, has been chairman of the Estonian Society of Pan-Europe, and chairman of council of the Estonian Human Rights Institute from 1992 to 1995. He has participated in the re-founded Estonian Defence League activities and in organisations promoting the commemoration of the victims of totalitarian regimes.
Tarto has been elected three times to Riigikogu (1992, 1995, 1999), from town of Tartu or Tartu and Jõgeva region. Tarto was member of the Riigikogu from 1992 to 1995 (Fatherland Union), from 1995 to 1999 (Right-wingers) and 1999 to 2003 (People's Party Moderates).
In 2005, Enn Tarto decided to leave SDE, which had chosen the line of collaborating with the People's Union (a joint list for Tallinn city council election), which mostly unites former communist party officials.
He was a candidate to Tartu town council in Fatherland Union list (2005 election).
Tarto has been elected three times to Tartu town council (1999, 2002, 2005).
Enn Tarto has also publicly condemned the top collaborators with the Communist regime and the executors of the Communist repressions in Estonia.
Enn Tarto has been awarded numerous medals by the institutions of the Republic of Estonia, including Order of the National Coat of Arms (2nd class) and the highest award by the Estonian Defence League (Eesti Kaitseliit), White Cross medal (1st rate). Valdas Adamkus has awarded him the Officer Cross of the Vytis Cross Order
Read more about this topic: Enn Tarto
Famous quotes containing the word release:
“If I were to be taken hostage, I would not plead for release nor would I want my government to be blackmailed. I think certain government officials, industrialists and celebrated persons should make it clear they are prepared to be sacrificed if taken hostage. If that were done, what gain would there be for terrorists in taking hostages?”
—Margaret Mead (1901–1978)
“The near touch of death may be a release into life; if only it will break the egoistic will, and release that other flow.”
—D.H. (David Herbert)