The services are preparing for any scenario and are ready to react not only on the specific date, but also in the days before and after, in order to prevent threats to public order and security, including the glorification and justification of criminal Russian aggression and war crimes. When such violations are detected, the actions of the services will be clear and decisive – such violations are subject to both administrative and criminal liability.
“There will be challenges. Justification of war, glorification of military aggression, use of war symbols, use of the Russian flag – all this will be translated into the framework of the law and responsibility will be foreseen for it, and active reactions from the police,” State Police chief Armands Ruks stated in an interview with TV3 program “900 seconds”.
The services call on citizens to report if they have information about provocations planned for May 9 or if you witness such actions.
The State Security Service, in close cooperation with the State Police, continues to pay increased attention to any information or activities related to May 9, assessing whether they pose risks to Latvia’s national security. The State Security Service informs that it currently has no confirmatory information about pro-Kremlin persons preparing for specific provocations on May 9, at the same time such provocations cannot be completely ruled out.
Large service forces are planned for May 9
On May 9, a wide range of service forces is planned throughout Latvia, involving the Special Tasks Battalion of the State Police in ensuring public order. The services will work according to a special public order and security plan, according to the need and current situation, security measures may be changed and strengthened.
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The services remind that on May 9, public entertainment and festive events, meetings, marches and pickets are not allowed in Latvia, which are aimed at belittling and endangering the values of Latvia as a democratic and national state, including division of society, war, military aggression, totalitarianism or violence glorification as well as false representation of historical events. This refers to the so-called “Victory Day” and its symbolism, which is glorified and widely used in the propaganda of the Kremlin regime. The ban on holding events on May 9 is provided by the law “On the ban on holding certain public events on May 9” adopted by the Saeima in 2023.
Placing flowers in the places where the dismantled Soviet monuments were located in Latvia will be considered as glorification of these objects and military aggression, such actions will not be tolerated.
Although individual laying of flowers at burial sites is not prohibited, the State Police draws attention to the fact that the increased presence of the police in these places will not necessarily mean that residents will be provided with a convenient and coordinated approach. The purpose and task of the police is to prevent threats to public order and any glorification of aggression.
At the same time, law enforcement officers remind that according to the public order and security plan, the flow of both traffic and people can be limited and regulated. Including, in accordance with the Law “On the Police”, if a threat to the protection of public safety, life, health and property of persons, possible provocations and exacerbations is detected, the State Police can deny access to specific objects.
The use of pyrotechnics is prohibited
Likewise, on May 9 all day and night, as well as on May 10 until The use of pyrotechnic products is prohibited at 7.00.
The services remind that the use of symbols of totalitarian regimes (even stylized ones), as well as any symbols glorifying and justifying military aggression and war crimes, in public places is prohibited and punishable. Public use of the Russian flag or public playing of war-glorifying songs will also be considered as glorification of the aggressor and its regime, judging the person’s responsibility accordingly.
On the other hand, public justification and glorification of genocide, crimes against humanity, crimes against peace, and war crimes (Article 74.1 of the Criminal Law), as well as actions aimed at inciting national or ethnic hatred or discord (Article 78 of the Criminal Law), are subject to criminal liability.
The actions and response of the services to such violations will be immediate and strict
Considering that May 9 has long been a date that divides Latvian society, on this day there are increased risks of confrontation between groups of society representing different views. Therefore, the services call for a critical evaluation of provocative statements in the information space, as well as to avoid responding to them and to report to the responsible services if such content is noticed. We call on the citizens not to engage in provocations or illegal actions against individuals or the surrounding environment – not to succumb to provocations and not allow the division of our society.
Residents who have information about planned provocations on May 9 – demonstrative or defiant actions with the aim of dividing society or spreading messages in line with Russia’s interests are invited to provide this information to VDD by calling the 24-hour phone number 67208964 or writing to the e-mail address “[email protected]”.
On the other hand, upon witnessing such activities on May 9, residents are invited to immediately inform the State Police about them by calling 110.
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Tags: Police security prepare scenarios promise strict response
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