An Emergency Medical Service (NMPD) station will be set up in Old Riga’s Herder Square this evening to provide medical assistance if needed during the protest against Latvia’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, the “Marta” Centre representative Polina Fiļipova told LETA.
Organisers remind participants that Dome Square is paved with cobblestones, which may make movement difficult, especially for people with mobility impairments or parents with strollers.
Fiļipova noted that sound equipment will be used during the event, with chants and applause expected, so participants are advised to prepare for a loud environment and choose appropriate clothing and footwear.
A sign language interpretation will be provided during the protest in the Latvian Television live broadcast.
As reported,
the State Police has pledged to pay close attention to order and safety during the protest.
A large turnout is expected in Riga, and barriers will be placed in Dome Square to form passage zones where police officers will be stationed to ensure public order, safety, rapid response, and effective event monitoring.
Traffic and movement restrictions may also be introduced. Depending on the situation, access to Old Riga—including Jēkaba Street—may be restricted for cars, pedestrians, residents, and local businesses. Police may also temporarily close or limit traffic in other nearby areas if necessary. Until the protest begins, movement in Old Riga and around the Saeima will not be restricted.
Given the limited capacity of Dome Square, the police may decide to restrict access to the area to ensure visitor safety. Officers will monitor the flow of people and make such decisions only if necessary. In that case, attendees will be directed to gather in other nearby safe locations, without preventing them from expressing their views or participating in the protest.
As usual,
law enforcement has prepared a public order and safety plan and carried out a risk assessment
for various scenarios. Authorities are monitoring developments both on site and online. During the protest, police will supervise public order using officers, cameras, and drones.
Event stewards assigned by the organisers, as well as private security personnel, will also be present in accordance with legal requirements.
The police call on residents to remain calm and cooperate with officers by following their instructions.
As reported earlier, the protest “Protect Mother Latvia” against Latvia’s withdrawal from the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence—commonly known as the Istanbul Convention—will take place tonight at 19:00 in Dome Square, Riga, the “Marta” Centre informed LETA.
Organisers emphasise that the convention is not an ideological document,
but a tool that helps protect people, prevent crime, and strengthen the state’s ability to respond when safety is at risk.
Participants are encouraged to wear red and bring posters, as well as small flashlights, reflectors, safe outdoor candles (red or white), or other light sources.
Similar protests against Latvia’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention are expected tonight in Liepāja, Daugavpils, and Cēsis, as well as outside Latvian embassies in Helsinki, Tallinn, The Hague, Vienna, Berlin, and Oslo.
Read also: Law to denounce the Istanbul Convention will be reviewed by the next Saeima