At least 3,000 people gathered outside the Saeima on Wednesday evening to protest against Latvia’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, the State Police confirmed to LETA.
As observed by LETA, demonstrators held signs calling to “stop covering for abusers” and urging the government not to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention. Protesters held Latvian and European Union flags, and LGBT+ community flags were also visible outside the Saeima.
The participants, mostly younger people, stressed that “the populists’ opinion is not the truth of the people.” Many brought their children and pets along to the protest.
Protesters beat drums, chanted slogans and whistled, calling on politicians to reconsider their decision. Demonstrators also questioned whether such a move would amount to supporting Russia.
Slogans chanted included:
“By lobbying for Russia, we are not defending Latvia,”
“Yes to the Convention, no to ignorance,” and “This bill is evil, shame, shame.” Participants used phone flashlights and other light sources to illuminate the protest.
Between chanting, participants played wind instruments, made noise, and sang.
A significant police presence monitored the event, and an increased number of police officers was noticeable throughout the Old Town.
Protesters pointed out that
many European Union countries have urged Latvian parliamentarians to reconsider and not withdraw from the Istanbul Convention.
The Saeima has supported the bill to withdraw from the Convention in the first reading with 52 votes. The second and final vote is scheduled for tomorrow.
According to the Centre “Marta,” this vote has caused outrage among part of society because it “threatens the progress made so far in the area of human rights and gender equality.”
The Centre “Marta” emphasized that the Saeima also supported a declaration “on the prevention of violence,” which, in their view, is being presented as an alternative to the Convention.
“Such a declaration cannot replace an internationally recognised mechanism that ensures real monitoring, accountability and international support in preventing violence. It creates only an illusion of a solution, while in reality weakening protection against violence and diminishing Latvia’s credibility internationally,” the organisation stressed.
The centre argues that withdrawing from the Istanbul Convention would mean stepping back
from democracy and human rights principles. They warn that it sends a dangerous signal that the state is willing to turn a blind eye to violence and inequality.
“This initiative is also being used as a political tool to target transgender people and other vulnerable groups by creating a false perception that their rights threaten society. In reality, the inclusion and protection of these groups strengthens democracy and overall safety,” the Centre “Marta” stated.
The Centre “Marta” calls on the Saeima to reject the bill in the second reading and to affirm that Latvia remains committed to democracy, gender equality and human rights.
The Centre “Marta” is a non-governmental organisation that has been advocating for gender equality and the protection of women and children from violence since 2001. It provides legal, psychological and social assistance to victims of violence, helping more than 800 women and young people each year, while actively participating in policy-making, educational campaigns and raising public awareness on human rights and safety.
As reported, on the 23rd of October the Saeima, with votes from the opposition and the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), supported in principle the draft law on Latvia’s withdrawal from the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence — the so-called Istanbul Convention.
The draft law was submitted by the opposition party “Latvia First” (LPV) and is supported by other opposition parties
— the National Alliance, United List, and “Stability!”, as well as ZZS MPs in the ruling coalition. The withdrawal is not supported by the coalition parties “New Unity” and “The Progressives.”
In the first reading, 52 MPs voted in favour of withdrawal, none voted against, one MP (Didzis Šmits) abstained, while “New Unity” and “Progressives” MPs chose not to participate.
Before the first reading, the majority of MPs voted to grant the bill “urgent procedure,” meaning it will be examined in only two readings. If a law adopted in two readings is granted urgency by at least two-thirds of MPs, the President cannot use the veto to suspend its promulgation.
52 MPs from the opposition and ZZS voted to grant urgency;
31 MPs from “The Progressives” and “New Unity” voted against, and ZZS MP Andris Bērziņš abstained. Thus, fewer than two-thirds of MPs supported urgency.
The LPV initially submitted the draft law without any explanatory note, which they later produced after several weeks. LPV argues that the current implementation practice of the Istanbul Convention does not provide confidence that state and municipal institutions in each case properly implement measures to prevent violence and associated risks in line with the principles of the Convention.
The Istanbul Convention entered into force in Latvia on the 1st of May last year. It is an international treaty requiring member states to develop coordinated policies to better protect women from all forms of violence, as well as women and men from domestic violence. It obliges member states to provide victims with comprehensive support and protection, crisis centres, a 24/7 helpline, specialised support services for victims of sexual violence, and protection and assistance for children who witness violence.
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