On Monday, 22 August, Riga City Council’s executive director Jānis Lange reported that the dismantling of the monument dedicated to the Soviet army in Pārdaugava «has begun».
Lange said preparations for the monument’s dismantling are underway – construction workers have installed a fence around the area. Another fence will be installed later.
On 23 August it is planned to bring in heavy equipment to commence other necessary preparations: empty the pond and commence the dismantling of sculptures and the main obelisk.
Commenting on the chosen method, Lange stressed that both during the design process and during talks with construction workers all possible methods were discussed.
«The monument will be toppled without using explosives.»
He did not mention any specific dates for the monument’s removal.
State Police Main Public Order Police Department’s deputy chief Ansis Pumpurs said the police have developed a comprehensive public order and safety plan. Both municipal police and State Security Service will be involved in its implementation.
Residents are advised to not go to the construction site without any specific reason.
Additionally, authorities have imposed a ban for UAVs to fly in the area.
«Any attempt to pilot aircraft and the like above the site will be prevented, and those responsible – brought to justice,» said Pumpurs.
As previously reported, political party Latvian Russians Union submitted a request to Riga City Council to organise a protest against the demolition of the Victory Monument in Pārdaugava.
«We have received a request for permission to organise a rally at Victory Park this evening. I can say we have requested the opinion of law enforcement institutions over this situation,» said Lange.
«Law enforcers provided us with their opinion. Based on this opinion we will issue a negative administrative act. This means we will not permit the rally,» said Lange.
Lange also said the rally was requested to be held within the fenced-off area: «This is one of the reasons why we will not permit it.»
After the events observed at Victory Park on 9th and 10th of May, a donation campaign was launched at ziedot.lv to collect money in order to dismantle the Soviet Victory Monument in Pārdaugava. As of 27 June residents donated EUR 268 385.60.
Commenting on the plans for donations, Lange said a contract will be signed with ziedot.lv, and this money will be diverted towards removal of construction waste.
Also read: Landscape preparations start in Riga to commence Soviet Victory Monument’s removal