The national flag of Saudi Arabia was raised on Riga’s Vanšu Bridge during the night of 28 October but was promptly removed following action by law enforcement authorities. Two weeks earlier, the flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan had been raised on the same bridge.
Riga Municipal Police have initiated administrative offence proceedings in connection with both incidents, Riga City Council reported.
Riga Deputy Mayor Edvards Ratnieks described the appearance of a second flag of an Islamic country on Vanšu Bridge within such a short period as a provocation.
He called on the State Security Service and other responsible authorities to investigate both incidents thoroughly.
According to Ratnieks, the incidents could represent an attempt to test Latvia’s response capabilities and potentially signal the beginning of broader provocations targeting the country and its security.
“I have instructed Riga Municipal Police to pay increased attention to Vanšu Bridge to prevent such incidents from happening again, and I am grateful for their swift response,” Ratnieks said.
“We can see what is currently happening in Europe, and it is important to give each such incident appropriate attention, identify those responsible and impose the harshest possible penalties.”
“Latvia has only one national flag, and our national security is a priority for all of us.”
“At the same time, I urge the public not to give these incidents excessive attention, as the purpose of provocations is to generate public controversy. Instead, people should trust the actions of the competent authorities,” Ratnieks added.