Riga Municipal Police and State Police are fully prepared to maintain order and prevent possible violations of the law in Victory park and elsewhere in Riga on 9 May, as members of Riga City Council’s Security, Order and Corruption Prevention Committee were informed on Friday, 6 May.
Police officials plan to bring in considerable police resources to maintain order. Traffic restrictions will be imposed in the vicinity of Victory park as well, as BNN was told by Riga City Council.
Chief of Latvian State Police Armands Ruks said state and municipal police will work together with the State Security Service to survey, identify and prevent potential risks. Some persons have been found to invite others to perform activities at different locations around Riga on 9 May. No risks of confrontation have been identified so far, however.
According to Ruks, police will employ a similar tactic used in Victory park last year during the pandemic. Residents will be allowed to come and lay flowers. Police will regulate the influx of people there and prevent crowding, however.
«We invite people to commemorate the victims of war in Ukraine on 9 May and avoid going along with the majority when it comes to celebrating Victory Day. We are aware there could be some unsanctioned events, so we have prepared plans and have brought in additional resources. We have prepared especially well this time,» said the chief of State Police.
Chief of Riga Municipal Police Juris Lūkass reports the local police force has mobilized resources to ensure public order and compliance with recent law amendments. «We are confident of our ability to ensure public order on 9 May and other days,» said Lūkass.
Read also: Latvian PM: Victory Square monument will be demolished, the question is – how and when
Officials stress, all elements – flags, ribbons, stylized uniforms, stickers of private vehicles and others – that can be interpreted as support of Russian aggression in Ukraine or glorification of USSR will be removed and owners will be punished.
Police remind that no fireworks are allowed on 9th and 10th May.