The police informed that, in close cooperation with VDD, it 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 VDD informed 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.
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, the police said.
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 May 9 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 a glorification of these objects and military aggression, such actions will not be tolerated, noted the police.
Although individual laying of flowers at burial sites is not prohibited, the State Police drew 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.
Also, the use of pyrotechnic products is prohibited around the clock on May 9 and until 7:00 on May 10.
The services reminded that the use of symbols of totalitarian regimes, including 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, noted the police.
The actions and response of the services to such violations will be immediate and strict, the police emphasized.
“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 reacting to them and reporting to the responsible services if such content is noticed. We call on 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 police statement said.
Citizens who have information about provocations planned for May 9 – demonstrative or defiant actions aimed at dividing society or spreading messages in line with Russian interests – are invited to provide this information to the 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.
CONTEXT:
In Europe, the end of World War II is celebrated on May 8. On May 8, 1945, the Allied forces accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, thus formally ending the nearly six-year-long World War II in Europe. After the German occupation, Latvia ended up under another – Soviet – occupation.
Meanwhile, in Russia, the fall of the Nazi German regime is celebrated on May 9, and many people in Latvia also considered this day to be celebrated.
Since May 9 of last year, festive and entertainment events that do not meet the interests of national security, glorify military aggression or falsely reflect historical events have been prohibited, as well as the use of pyrotechnics.
On May 9 of last year, the police in Latvia detained a total of 26 persons, initiated 38 administrative violation proceedings, and also initiated four criminal proceedings. Several persons were also detained in connection with the violation of the ban on fireworks.
Tags: Security services promise strict response violations Article
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