In relation to the event that is expected to gather a large number of residents in Riga today, 20 May, for a procession that will go from the Freedom Monument all the way to the Cherry blossom garden, State Police is prepared to ensure public order and security both for the procession and the concert planned afterwards.
A procession will be organised in Riga ‘For the liberation from Soviet heritage’. Residents will gather and follow the following route: Freedom Square – Stone Bridge – Victory Boulevard – Slokas Street – Victory Park.
Police say they will monitor the situation to prevent possible provocations and threats to security, including to the safety of participants of the procession. Police have brought in additional officers from different units. Police will work with other security institutions.
State police remind participants of the procession that they will not allowed to come closer than 200 m to the Victory Monument, which is a restriction imposed by Section 8 of Law on Meetings, Processions, and Pickets.
State Police urge residents to refrain from committing violations, especially hooliganism towards people or infrastructure.
The same applies to persons who justify and glorify the military aggression in Ukraine, the Soviet occupation and commit other such acts have to keep in mind – police will enforce a zero tolerance policy!
Such actions have no place in Latvia and they will not be allowed. Police remind that use of symbols of totalitarian regimes in public places is a punishable offence.
State Police warn that illegal actions, glorification of war and aggression carry administrative and criminal liability. Acts justifying genocide, crimes against humanity, crimes against peace and war crimes, as well as incitement of national, ethnic and racial hatred can result in deprivation of freedom.
The procession is planned to start at 18:00 from the Freedom Square and conclude in Victory Park.
If need be, police will close off road and pedestrian traffic along the route of the procession. Public transports will not be affected. However, public transport movement may be halted on intersections to ensure the safety of participants of the procession.
BNN previously reported that Riga City Council has decided to permit the demolition of the Soviet monument in Victory Park. Residents have also donated nearly EUR 260 000 on ziedot.lv to finance the demolition.