Latvia bans use of symbols of war propaganda

On Thursday, 31 March, Latvia’s Saeima passed in the final reading amendments to the Law on the Safety of Public Entertainment and Festivity Events, banning the use of symbols representing military aggression and war crimes, except for cases when there is no intention to justify or glorify war crimes.
The initial version of the law amendments was submitted by the Union of Greens and Farmers. One of the goals of these amendments is banning the public use of symbols associated with or glorifying military aggression. This includes the letters «Z» and «V» used by the Russian military in Ukraine.
Additionally, the Saeima approve the proposal submitted by deputies Artuss Kaimiņš and Linda Medne, which prohibits the glorification of events associated with Nazi or Communist regime ideology, as well as dates associated with well-known people representing aforementioned ideologies, dates of battles and victories, and day celebrating the occupation of free and independent countries.
As Kaimiņš explained during debates in the Saeima, this regulation will basically ban organisation of 9 May celebration.
Exceptions include cases when events are organized not to glorify or promote totalitarian regimes or justify crimes, or if events are organized for educational scientific or artistic purposes.
As previously reported by the parliament’s press-service, the chairman of Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee Kaimiņš stressed that by condemning Russia’s war aggression in Ukraine, Latvia needs to present a string position – that symbols used to glorify Russia’s military aggression, such as letters «Z» and «V», «have no place at public events» in Latvia.
As previously reported, the Legal Affairs Committee previously passed other law amendments that provide administrative penalty for public use of symbols associated with Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine.
The initial proposal for a different law was submitted by Union of Greens and Farmers members Viktors Valainis, Uldis Augulis, Edgars Tavars, Didzis Šmits, Armands Krauze, Janīna Jalinska, Gundars Daudze, Jānis Vucāns, Māris Kučinskis and Raimonds Bergmanis.