On Thursday, the 20th of April, Latvia’s Saeima submitted to committees the legislative draft from the Combined List “On the establishment of a day of remembrance for the victims in Ukraine”, which provides for declaring the 9th of May 2023 as the Day of Commemoration of Those Who Died in Ukraine.
On this day the party suggests bringing out Latvia’s fag in mourning design, as well as impose certain restrictions.
Last year the 9th of May was also made into a day of commemoration of victims in Ukraine. Organisation of events was restricted. Residents were also not allowed to use fireworks that day.
Members of the Combined List remind that on the 24th of February 2022 Russia commenced a large-scale invasion of Ukraine’s territory, performing an aggressive and unprovoked warfare, attacking and putting at risk Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.
This is why politicians suggest outlining in legislation
that on the 9th of May 2023 Latvia is to commemorate the victims and deaths caused by Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine.
It is planned to outline in the law that on this day of commemoration, owners of private homes and managers of state and municipal buildings are to bring out Latvia’s flag in mourning. It is also suggested to bring out Ukraine’s flag on Riga Castle’s Tower of the Holy Spirit, the State President’s Residence, Saeima’s building and the building of the Cabinet of Ministers and set it alongside Latvia’s flag.
It is suggested to prohibit state and municipal institutions from organising any public entertainment events and festivities this day.
Additionally, municipal institutions would not be allowed to issue permits to organise any public events during the day of commemoration.
Municipalities will have to annul any already issued permits for this day.
It is also planned to permit municipal administrations to prohibit gatherings, processions or piquettes, except for cases when such events correspond to the nature of memorial day.
On the 9th and 10th of May it is planned to prohibit any use of pyrotechnics in Latvia.
The legislative draft was submitted by Combined List members Igors Rajevs, Juris Viļums, Česlavs Batņa, Ingmārs Līdaka, Atis Deksnis, Aiva Vīksna, Andrejs Svilāns, Edgars Putra, Edgars Tavars and Edvards Smiltēns.
The proposed law would lose its force on the 11th of May.
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