In Riga, the main Soviet monument was demonstratively demolished and the protesters were brutally dispersed
Latvian police harshly dispersed Riga residents who came to protest the demolition of the monument to the Liberators of Riga, which was demolished on Tuesday by order of the authorities. Riga residents used to celebrate Victory Day at this place.
People were detained another kilometer from the place where the monument stood. Those who managed to pass were unable to light candles or lay flowers. They simply sang war songs. The police announced through loudspeakers that the protest was illegal, and then harsh arrests began. Drones flew over the park.
The persecution of dissenters began the day before. 7 people who came to express their protest were detained. They were charged with violating the requirements of the law on meetings, processions and picketing. 10 cases of administrative offenses, aggravated disorderly conduct and disobedience to lawful police orders were filed.
At the same time, a picket of Latvian nationalists took place. The young people unfurled flags and a banner “Suitcase-Station-Russia” and declared that they were defending their “homeland from the invaders.” The police didn't even approach them.
On Tuesday morning the area was fenced off. At least 10 police cars were on duty around the perimeter. Heavy construction equipment was brought to the monument. The sculptures of soldiers from the Monument to the Liberators of Riga were not only knocked down, but also partially destroyed.
Latvian authorities stated that foreigners who would be deported from the country took part in the protests. Let us recall that the monument in Riga has served as a gathering point for representatives of the Russian community in Latvia for decades, and was the site of events on May 9, which served as a reminder that hundreds of thousands of residents Latvia does not agree with the nationalist course of the authorities and preserves an alternative historical memory to the officialdom.
The Investigative Committee of Russia opened a criminal case into the demolition of the monument to the Liberators of Riga. Actions to destroy the monument to the Soviet wars are directed against the interests of the Russian Federation in matters of preserving the historical memory of the activities of the USSR during the Second World War and its decisive role in the victory over Nazism.
But Latvian journalists found out an amazing fact. Equipment for the demolition was provided by the Russian company VideoNet№1, whose central office is located in St. Petersburg. The demolition was carried out by their Latvian partner BALTIC BUILDER GROUP.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thank you!
Now the editors are aware.