The highest number of offenses was in the Latgale region. Most of the offenses were related to the use of Soviet-era symbols, but criminal proceedings have also been initiated to glorify the aggressor state.
In the Rīga region, there were also more offenses recorded, while in Zemgale and Kurzeme there were only a few.
In a Jelgava cemetery, a man fired a gas pistol three times into the air to praise the aggressor state. The incident was the subject of both criminal proceedings for genocide, crimes against peace and war crimes, and administrative proceedings for the use of a gas weapon.
Three persons were administratively detained in Salaspils. The men were under the influence of alcohol and were singing songs praising the aggressor state in a public place. One of them was wearing a banned George ribbon.
Two other persons were detained in Daugavpils and Rezekne. One arrived in Daugavpils Dubrovina Park with a rucksack bearing a banned symbol. Physical force had to be used to apprehend the offender. In Rezekne, a person was detained for placing flowers on the site of the demolished "Alyosha" monument.
Most other administrative offenses were also recorded in connection with the placing of flowers on the site of Soviet monuments that had already been dismantled.
The services also came across content from social media sites where individuals posted symbols glorifying May 9, military aggression, and war crimes.
The police had already indicated that they would be working in a reinforced mode on May 9, and although there was no information about an increased threat, the police stressed that no provocation would be tolerated.
State Police Chief Armands Ruks said that even after dark the police would be alert and ready for any situation. He admitted that the reinforced security measures and warnings of zero tolerance in case of any offenses have had an effect.
"Although it is not forbidden to go to grave sites to lay flowers, it has been recorded that flowers are arranged in the colours of the Russian flag. There is no need to create ambiguous situations and challenge the law enforcement. We will do our job strictly and this has to be taken into account," Ruks sais.
The services are also keeping an eye on the content of social sites where individuals post symbols glorifying military aggression and war crimes. According to the police chief, if signs of a criminal offense are detected, offenders should expect a knock on the door from the police.
