Although there is no information about any increased risks of possible celebrations on the 9th of May in Riga, police still say there could be provocations, according to representatives of State Police and Riga Municipal Police.
Chief of State Police Riga Region Police Department Juris Staļģevics mentioned he cannot say for certain there are no risks for the 9th of May. He said he hopes they will be lower when compared with previous years.
But there will be people who may try to gather and cause provocations for the 9th of May.
Chief of Riga Municipal Police Juris Lūkass said police cooperate with the State Security Service, who also admit that provocations are possible.
Police will patrol well-known areas and other locations “at risk”.
Residents are urged to behave and follow the law.
Residents who notice any provocations are urged to report them to the police.
Lūkass confirmed Riga Municipal Police are prepared to go on high alert together with their colleagues from State Police.
As previously reported, Latvia’s Saeima has passed a law that prohibits the organisation of events on the 9th of May that do not defend the interests of national security, divide the public, falsely describe history and do not consolidate with the Ukrainian people.
The passed law On the prohibition of certain public events on 9 May is not limited to 2023 either. This means restrictions will apply to all future 9th of May in Latvia.
Also read: Latvian parliament suggests making 9th of May the Day of Commemoration of those who died in Ukraine