On Tuesday, the 9th of May, Latvia’s State Security Service (VDD) and State Police (VP) will be on high alert, as confirmed by both institutions.
For many years a portion of Latvia’s population “under influence from the propaganda employed by the regime in Russia” celebrated the 9th of May as the Day of Victory in World War II, which is one of the cornerstones of Putin’s regime.
Following the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war, Latvia’s government prohibited any celebration in the vicinity of the Soviet Victory Monument in Pardaugava last year. Despite this, however, many people still came to lay flowers at the monument.
In August 2022 the Monument to the Liberators of Soviet Latvia and Riga from the German Fascist Invaders was demolished.
This year the Saeima passed a special law, prohibiting the organisation of any public entertainment events and celebrations, rallies, processions and other activities on the 9th of May that could potentially “belittle and endanger the values of Latvia as a democratic and national state, as well as divide society, glorify war, military aggression, totalitarianism or violence, as well as falsely reflect historical events”.
VP and other institutions will act based on a previously prepared plan on the 9th of May. It is planned to call in additional police resources in various locations around Latvia. Services are prepared to respond to different situations. Police and security services also actively follow news and developments, as well as monitor the situation on the internet, VP reports.
According to VDD, similarly to previous years,
there are risks of certain pro-Kremlin people organising various provocations in the interest of Russia.
VDD invite residents experiencing such activities to refrain from reacting to them and instead report them to proper authorities.
Residents with information about any provocations or illegal activities should report it to VDD by dialling 67208964 or by e-mail ([email protected]).
Residents are also warned that bringing flowers to locations were the now demolished Soviet monuments once stood will be considered glorification of these objects and military aggression. Police also remind that no fireworks are allowed on the 9th and 10th of May.
VDD also reminds that public condoning and glorifying of genocide, crimes against humanity, crimes against peace and war crimes, as well as acts aimed at inciting national or ethnic hatred or infidelity carry criminal liability.
The 9th of May is celebrated in Russia and multiple post-Soviet republics and Israel as the Day of Victory over Nazi Germany in WWII. Many in Latvia still maintain this tradition and celebrate Victory. However, The official position of most Eastern European countries is that this day is associated with the occupation of Baltic States by the Soviet Union.
Last year, despite the government’s invitation for people not to gather at the Victory Monument in Riga, many people still came and brought flowers. Official information suggests the number of people who came was smaller when compared with previous years.
Flowers brought by residents to the monument in commemoration to the Soviet fighters who died in WWII were removed from the monument on the next day, prompting an outrage among those and many others and causing them to return with even more flowers on the 10th of May. Police reported violent and aggressive behaviour from some of the people who stayed in the vicinity of the monument. Dozens were detained by the police. Some of the people were heard glorifying Russia and justifying the country’s war against Ukraine.
Following these events, then the Minister of the Interior Marija Golubeva decided to step down from her post.
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