Today, 9 May, Latvian police force will be present at all locations where Soviet-era monuments stand. This includes Riga and other regions, as Minister of the Interior Marija Golubeva wrote on Twitter.
She reminds that 9 May in Latvia is the Day of Remembrance of Victims of War in Ukraine. «I urge residents to no attend events at which organisers may voice support of Russia’s war in Ukraine,» the politician wrote.
She stresses that this year is not like the previous ones and
participation in any activities and celebration of 9 May may be used in Russian propaganda.
The minister explains that access to the monument in Victory park will be restricted. Access to the monument complex was restricted at the end of last week already. Golubeva also promises that State Police will be monitoring movements of residents coming in. Barriers will be used to organize the influx.
«Police will be present no only in Riga but in other locations of Soviet monuments around Latvia,» said the minister.
Latvian law enforcers will work in accordance with a special public security plan on 9 May.
In his statement to the press, Chief of Latvian State Police Armands Ruks invited residents to not come to the monument in Riga, Victory park, in Daugavpils, Dubrovina park and elsewhere in Latvia to not become actors in Russian propaganda and to respect Ukrainian residents.
State Police and other services, as well as municipalities working together, will coordinate their efforts to ensure public order and security using a special public security plan.
Police will monitor residents moving in the vicinity of the monument in Victory park. To prevent the risk of crowding, barriers will be used at the monument.
To make residents feel safe and to ensure this day of mourning passes without clashes, State Police has called in additional human resources from Daugavpils and Latgale region, as well as other regional State Police units. The presence of state police officers will be more active in Riga today.
Read also: Latvian State Police: we have prepared for 9 May especially carefully this year
Police will monitor the situation to make sure residents do not use stylized uniforms, Ribbon of St. George, symbols Z and V, which the Russian army uses in its invasion of Ukraine, but also other symbols, anthems, vehicles with custom paint jobs glorifying war.
Police stress that use of the Russian flag, the flags of self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic or a red flag or red ribbons will be considered use of symbols glorifying Russia’s war.
At the same time, police warn of sanctions for residents who plan to paint their cars or use stickers glorifying the war, or use symbols associated with the aggressor or other related symbols.
Additionally, residents should keep in mind that if police find such items and symbols, they will be confiscated in accordance with the Administrative Liability Law. This applies to vehicles as well.
Police remind that use of fireworks is strictly prohibited on the 9th and 10th of May this year.
Compliance with this requirement will be monitored by police.
Police also remind that use of symbols associated with totalitarian regimes in a public location is a punishable offence.
Police explain that illegal activities, glorification of war and aggression, as well as hooliganism carry administrative and criminal liability.
Road traffic in the vicinity of Victory park will be limited on 9 May. Cars and other vehicles will not be allowed to park in the area.