The police and VDD will monitor security more closely on May 9 and promise a decisive response to provocations

The State Police and the State Security Service (VDD) will intensify security monitoring throughout Latvia on May 9 and promise a “clear and decisive” response to provocations when the glorification of Russian aggression and war crimes is recorded.

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As the head of the Public Relations Department of the State Police, Simona Grāvīte, informed the LETA agency, the State Police and the VDD will also work in an intensified mode on May 9 this year, when the Russian regime celebrates one of the most important holidays in its propaganda, monitoring the security situation throughout the country. The services are preparing for any scenario and will be 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. The services call on citizens to report if they have information about provocations planned for May 9 or if such activities are observed.

VDD, in cooperation with the State Police, paying increased attention to any information or activities related to May 9, assessing whether they do not pose risks to Latvia’s national security. VDD informs that it currently has no confirmatory information about the preparation of pro-Kremlin-minded persons for specific provocations on May 9, at the same time such provocations cannot be completely ruled out.

The services will work according to a special public order and security plan. According to the need and the current situation, security measures can be changed and strengthened.

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 for 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 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, as well as actions aimed at inciting national or ethnic hatred or discord, are subject to criminal liability. The actions and response of the services to such violations will be immediate and strict, according to the statement issued by the police.

“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,” the services said in a statement.

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