Mayor of Daugavpils Andrejs Elksniņš posted an invitation on social networks, inviting residents to bring flowers and candles to the Soviet monuments so that they can pay their last respects before they are removed, which is set to happen soon.
In an entry on Facebook, Elksniņš writes that «yesterday there were the final talks held about the removal of the remaining Soviet monuments, which will happen regardless, even in a forced manner and without participation from members of the city council».
He wrote that he «accomplished» an agreement regarding the donation of one monument’s relief to a museum.
He also added that «removal of monuments will be done as correctly and gently as possible – without showmanship or demolition of structures, as it happened in Riga».
«I am torn by a feeling of injustice, confusion and anger over the fact that we are demolishing monuments dedicated to the people who gave their lives, defending their homeland,» Elksniņš wrote.
In the post he also called the Law on the Prohibition of Display of Objects Praising the Soviet and Nazi Regime and Their Dismantling in the Territory of the Republic of Latvia «pointless and absurd» and promised «to continue the fight in the Constitutional Court and using other democratic means».
«We have three days to pay say our farewells to these monuments, bring flowers, light candles and take photos. Law enforcement institutions will impose numerous restrictions. However, until 22:00 p.m. 30 October access to monuments will be permitted. Police have warned me (and I am taking responsibility of informing all of you), that police will focus on possible use of prohibited symbols and any kind of glorification of war. This is why I urge my fellow residents to not participate in any provocations,» Elksniņš wrote.
More on this topic: Constitutional Court rejects Daugavpils City Council’s request regarding Soviet monuments