13 persons detained for various May 9 related violations

• Published date: 09 May 2022
• Publication title: LETA

RIGA, May 9 (LETA) - Law enforcement authorities detained 13 persons and started 28 administrative offense procedures over various breaches related to May 9, LETA was told at the State Police.

By 18:30 police had detained 13 people and a number of other persons were taken to police stations for providing statements. Most of these people were detained for using symbols glorifying military aggression and war crimes like the St. George's Ribbon and for refusing to remove them.

Most of the 28 administrative offense procedures were started in Latvia's eastern province Latgale, including 12 in Daugavpils and one in Rezekne. Most of these offenses also involved use of symbols of Russian aggression.

ccording to the State Police, people ended up in police stations for being drunk in public places, petty hooliganism and disobeying or resisting police orders.

Some persons were apprehended for attempts to play the Russian anthem by the Soviet-era monument in Riga, and a use of fireworks, which this year is prohibited on May 9, was reported on a nearby street.

s reported, on April 7 the Saeima passed a bill designating May 9 a day of remembrance for victims of the war in Ukraine. The Saeima also adopted a proposal to ban fireworks on May 9 and 10, 2022.

The aim of the legislation is to draw...