Security Service sees provocation and confrontation risks on May 9

• Published date: 06 May 2022
• Publication title: LETA

RIGA, May 6 (LETA) - There are risks of provocations and confrontation on May 9, according to the State Security Service's assessment, and law enforcement authorities have already talked preventively with several dozen persons with pro-Kremlin leanings.

Considering the brutal war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine, the Security Service urges people against gathering by the so-called Victory Monument in Pardaugava, Riga, or other monuments glorifying the Soviet occupation of Latvia on May 9, LETA was told at the Security Service.

This year, May 9 has been declared a day for the commemoration of Ukraine war victims and any events glorifying the Soviet occupation of Latvia or expressing support for Russia would be inappropriate on this day of mourning.

ccording to the Security Service, gatherings and ceremonially laying flowers by the monuments honoring the Soviet occupation of Latvia should be regarded as a sheer demonstration of disrespect for millions of people, including Latvians, who perished or suffered under the Soviet Communist regime.

"This year, Russia has yet again asserted itself as an aggressor state which in the name of its imperialistic ambitions is ready to blatantly ignore an independent country' right to self-determination, mercilessly kill its residents, destroy hospitals, schools and other vital objects posing no threat to Russia," said State Security Service chief Normunds Mezviets.

This year, the Security Service is paying increased attention to May 9 related developments in Latvia and its information environment to detect potential threats to Latvia's national security interests. The Security Service is closely working with the State Police and will be on high alert also on May 9.

nalysis of obtained intelligence suggests that there are risks of provocations and confrontation, especially at the traditional sites of May 9 gatherings. In preparation for May 9, the Security Service has preventively talked to several dozen pro-Kremlin activists, warning them against any provocative activities. Still, such provocations cannot...