Dozens of Soviet monuments on the line for dismantling in Latvia

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The government on Thursday, July 14, backed the dismantling of 69 monuments, memorials, and other objects glorifying Soviet and Nazi regimes.

On 23 June, the law on the prohibition of such monuments to be displayed in the territory of Latvia entered into force, which means that memorials glorifying oppressive regimes cannot be exhibited outside accredited museums and similar facilities. 

According to the Law, the 'Victory' monument in Rīga, Uzvaras Park, is to be dismantled, while the other objects to be dismantled are determined by the Cabinet.

At the end of June, the Heritage Administration, the Latvian Artists Union” and the Latvian Museum of Occupation decided that 69 objects were to be dismantled.

Sites up for dismantling are in all of Latvia's historical municipalities.

The most known monuments of Soviet time are located in larger cities, like Rēzekne, Daugavpils, and Liepāja. In Rīga, the 'Victory' park monument will be dismantled along with objects in Mežaparks and Rumbula.

Given that the National Heritage Board continues its work on the list of objects to be dismantled, the list may be further updated as needed.

Some local governments have already decided what to do with monuments for dismantling, such as moving them to graves where Soviet army soldier burials are located.

Meanwhile, for example, the Daugavpils City Council decided to turn to the Constitutional Court, challenging the law's compliance with the Constitution.

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