The Diet of Latvia approved a ban on celebrating May 9 in the country

The Diet of Latvia approved a ban on celebrating May 9 in the country

The Seimas of Latvia on Thursday adopted in two readings in an urgent order the law on the prohibition of public events on May 9 – except those related to the Day of Europe.

Earlier, it was assumed that the Latvian parliament would approve a decision according to which May 9 this year would be declared a day of remembrance for those killed and injured in the war in Ukraine. However, the Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission prepared an alternative project. He was accepted urgently, reports Delfi.

Among the goals of the adopted law is the protection of the interests of the state, the morality of society and the prevention of disorder. It is noted that the proposed measure will prevent the threat and humiliation of the values ​​of Latvia as a democratic and national state. It is also said that the decision was also taken as a sign of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

The law establishes that on the entire territory of Latvia on May 9, when Russia celebrates Victory Day, and until 7 o’clock in the morning the next day, it is prohibited to use pyrotechnics, hold outdoor public festive and entertainment events, processions, meetings and pickets.

Last year, on May 9, the authorities allowed bringing flowers to the monument to the Liberators of Riga, although it was emphasized that this was undesirable. On the morning of May 10, all the brought flowers were removed by a bulldozer, which caused the indignation of some residents. At the end of August 2022, the monument to the Liberators of Riga was dismantled, Meduza writes.

  • Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Latvia actively supports Kyiv in the humanitarian and military spheres, and also calls on other European countries to do so.
  • In September last year, due to the war in Ukraine, EU countries decided to abandon the simplified procedure for issuing Schengen visas to Russians. Some countries, including the Baltic countries and Finland, almost completely stopped issuing visas.



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