Constitution Protection Bureau says removal of Soviet-era monument entails various risks from Russia

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

RIGA, May 9 (LETA) - As Latvia is deciding on the removal of a Soviet-era monument in Riga, the Constitution Protection Bureau (SAB) sees the plan entails various risks that might be posed by Russia, including provocations and cyberattacks.

s LETA was told at SAB, the security service has reviewed the Justice Ministry's report on the possible legal solutions for the demolition, removal and transformation of the monument to the Soviet army and submitted to the ministry findings about possible risks.

Since Russia uses controversial historical issues as a domestic and foreign policy tool, and judging from Russia's past reactions to history related issues, the decision to dismantle the memorial in a park in Pardaugava, Riga, might prompt Russia to take countermeasures, SAB warned.

ccording to SAB, the most serious risks would be the following: Russia might step up cyberattacks on Latvia's critical infrastructure and other sectors of national importance, intensify propaganda, increase the risks of physical confrontations, using pro-Kremlin sentiments in a part of Latvia's society.

SAB also believes that Russia might retaliate by imposing sanctions on Latvian officials that have proposed or supported the monument's removal. A launch of criminal investigations by the Russian Investigative Committee cannot be ruled out either.

Furthermore, Russia might activate its influence organizations with the aim to discredit Latvia and plot provocations against Latvian diplomatic staff and objects in Russia.

Commenting on SAB findings following the weekly coalition meeting on Monday, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) said that the situation in...