Arnold Meri, a cousin of former Estonian President Lennart Meri, was charged of genocide last August for alleged involvement in the deportation of 251 Estonians soon after World War II. The trial started today.
Russia has said the charges against Meri, who was honored as a Hero of the Soviet Union, are fabricated.
Meri has admitted involvement in the deportations, but has denied organizing them, saying he was merely in charge of checking lists of deportees and monitoring the actions of Soviet state security bodies and local authorities.
Due to the large number of eyewitnesses, about 80 according to prosecutors, the trial will be held in the community center in Kardla, on Estonia's western island of Hiiumaa, instead of in the town's court. If found guilty, Meri will serve a life prison term.
