Mayor of Daugavpils Andrejs Elksniņš urges residents and guests to Latvia to not use symbols banned by Latvian legislation and avoid provocations on the 9th of May, which is celebrated by Russia and multiple post-Soviet republics as “Victory Day”, according to the entry on his Facebook page.
He reports that he has discussed possible commemorative events with State Police. Elksniņš explained that residents of Daugavpils and guests to the city will be able to lay down flowers at monuments and stay within territories of memorials on the 9th of May without any special conditions.
State Police clarified on Twitter the interpretation from Daugavpils mayor about laying down flowers, explaining that the act of putting down flowers in locations where the Soviet monuments once stood will be interpreted by law enforcement as an act of glorification of aggression and will be prevented. Laying flowers at burial sites without crowding and delays will not be prohibited, however.
Elksniņš added in his post on Facebook that he urges all residents of Daugavpils and guests to the city to not use banned symbols. “It is fundamentally important for every one of us to avoid causing any scandals and exchange’s of pleasantries on important dates.
I am convinced our city will not allow provocations,” Elksniņš promised.
As previously reported, the Saeima has passed a law that prohibits organisation of events on the 9th of May that do not correspond with national interests, divide the public, distort history and do not show solidarity with Ukrainian people.
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