By noon today, the State Police of Latvia had recorded several administrative violations related to the 9th of May, and two individuals had been detained, the police informed the LETA news agency. Overall, no major incidents have been reported.
Across all regions of Latvia, the State Police have initiated 14 administrative violation proceedings.
The recorded violations include the public use of symbols glorifying military aggression—such as the St. George ribbon, the Red Star of the Order of Lenin, and floral arrangements in the colors of the Russian flag. Other incidents include the laying of flowers and even urination at the sites of dismantled Soviet-era monuments, the painting of “V” and “Z” symbols on a monument at the Brothers’ Cemetery in Jaunpiebalga, and the playing of Russian military songs. Additionally, slogans glorifying military aggression have been reported on the social media platform Facebook.
The police remind the public that today, nationwide, the State Police, the State Security Service (VDD), municipal police, and other partners are operating under heightened security measures,
following a pre-established public order and safety plan, with substantial resources deployed. Public safety measures may be adjusted or intensified as needed, based on real-time developments.
The State Police stress that on the 9th of May, it is forbidden in Latvia to organize public entertainment or celebratory events, rallies, marches, or pickets that undermine national security, divide society, promote false historical narratives, or express opposition to solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Moreover, placing flowers at former Soviet monument sites will be treated as glorification of those objects and of military aggression. While individual flower-laying at gravesites is not prohibited, gatherings at such locations and any glorification of military aggression or justification of the aggressor will not be tolerated.
Residents with information about planned provocations or provocative actions aimed at dividing society or spreading pro-Russian messages on the 9th of May are urged to contact the State Security Service at +371 67208964 or via email at [email protected]. Witnesses to such activities on the 9th of May are asked to report them immediately to the State Police by calling 112.
Under the influence of Kremlin propaganda, a portion of Latvian society has, for years, marked the 9th of May—the Soviet Victory Day—as a major celebration of World War II victory, a key ideological pillar of Putin’s regime. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, public gatherings at the Soviet Army monument in Pārdaugava were banned in 2022, though many people still gathered there. The monument was dismantled later that year.
In 2023, the Latvian Parliament passed a law banning public entertainment events, rallies, marches, and pickets on the 9th of May that undermine the values of Latvia as a democratic and national state. The law targets actions that glorify war, military aggression, totalitarianism, or violence, as well as those that promote false historical interpretations.