The State Police of Latvia (VP) currently has no indications of heightened security risks in Latvia on the 9th of May in connection with the “Victory Day” celebrations planned in Russia. However, law enforcement authorities remain vigilant and ready to act if necessary, VP Chief Armands Ruks said in an interview on TV3’s 900 Seconds.
He confirmed that, as the 9th of May approaches, law enforcement and security institutions are maintaining regular communication and planning human resources to ensure public order. It should be taken into account that this year the 9th of May falls on a holiday, meaning people will have “more time for expressions, so work will be required in any case,” the police chief noted.
Asked whether the police would be prepared and how they would respond if, for example, Russia’s “Victory Day” celebrations were moved to residential courtyards in neighborhoods, Ruks replied that the police would not tolerate such actions under any circumstances and would respond firmly and strictly in accordance with the law.
The VP chief urged people to be aware of the times we are living in
and reminded that the celebration of the 9th of May is often linked to potential influence from hostile states rather than the remembrance and commemoration of historical events.
It has already been reported that for decades, celebrations marking the Soviet Red Army’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II have been organized on the 9th of May at Russia’s initiative. In Latvia, part of society still observes the so-called Victory Day; however, in Eastern Europe this date is associated with the occupation and annexation of the Baltic states into the USSR.
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