The morning on 9 November saw the start of demolition of the Soviet monument dedicated to the liberators of Rezekne, which is known simply as Alyosha among the locals.
According to State Police, demolition commenced early in the morning. Police are stationed at the site. No incidents reported so far.
In his video published on Gorod.lv portal, the mayor of Rezekne Aleksandrs Bartaševičs spoke to the local residents in Russian language and explained his opinion about the situation with monuments in Latvia and the war in Ukraine.
First the mayor, standing next to the monument, said he stands next to the monument to the Rezekne’s Liberators from the Fascist Occupation. He said Russians in Latvia are subjected to a great deal of pressure for the mere fact that «they are Russians».
Many [in Latvia] are doing everything to make our children forget their native language by taking away the opportunity to learn it in school, said Bartaševičs.
«I’m speaking Russian, because Russians in Latvia need rehabilitation.»
«We, Russians in Latvia, are not responsible for what is currently happening in Ukraine and we weep for all victims of this war, in which Slavic people die on both sides of the front. It is a tragedy for us all. We want peace for Ukraine and Russia as soon as possible,» he said.
Bartaševičs called the demolition of monuments in Latvia «barbarism» and said he tried looking for a compromise with the government. He suggested moving Alyosha to the local cemetery, but the government rejected this and other proposals.
He said he is worried about a possible «crack in society», which, he believes, is growing very rapidly. He added he cannot stop the demolition of monuments, but in his heart he still holds gratitude to his grandparents for their heroism in fighting fascism. Bartaševičs invited all residents to pass on this gratitude to their children.
The mayor of Rezekna also invited residents to not provoke the police and behave decently.
Demolition of the monument located next to Rezekne River commenced in the morning. The site is fenced off, but pedestrian traffic on the nearby Latgale Street is not restricted.
Only a small number of people came to observe the monument’s demolition. Mostly people watch the process while waiting for public transports.