The services promise that the response to potential provocations will be immediate and rigorous.
In Europe, the end of World War II is marked on May 8. On May 8 1945, Allied forces adopted the unconditional capitulation of Nazi Germany, thus formally ending nearly six years of World War II in Europe. After the German occupation, Latvia ended up under another occupation – the Soviet occupation.
Meanwhile, in Russia, the destruction of the Nazi German regime is remembered on May 9, and in Latvia some people considered the day to be celebratory. Festive and entertainment events that do not correspond to national security interests, glorify military aggression, falsely reflect historical events, and use pyrotechnics have been banned since May 9 last year.
Last May 9, in Latvia, the police apprehended 26 persons in total, initiated 38 administrative violation proceedings, as well as four criminal proceedings were initiated, the State Police reported. Several individuals have also been detained in connection with violating the fireworks ban.
The police said that it continues to pay increased attention to any information or activities related to May 9 in close cooperation with the VDD, assessing whether they pose risks to Latvia's national security.
VDD said that it does not currently have any corroborative information on the preparations of pro-Kremlin people for certain provocations on 9 May, but they cannot be completely excluded.
Laying flowers in places where Soviet monuments have now been dismantled in Latvia will be seen as a celebration of these objects and military aggression, such actions will not be allowed, the police noted. Individual placing of flowers at burial sites is not prohibited.
Residents with information about provocations planned for May 9 -- demonstrative or challenging actions aimed at dividing the public or spreading messages that meet Russian interests -- are asked to provide this information to VDD by calling the daily phone 67208964 or by writing to the email address “[email protected].”Witnessing such activities on May 9, residents are invited to inform the State Police immediately, calling 110.
