Police have been tasked with guarding Soviet monuments
For several days now, World War II monuments, cemeteries and memorials have been included in the patrol routes of the State Police in the Riga region with an intensity of no less than once every three hours. The police have been instructed to take care of artefacts of the occupying power "to avoid possible provocations". Translation: so that Latvian patriots and Ukrainian supporters don't smash them with a hammer.
Thirty-plus years after independence, Latvia is covered with props glorifying the Red Army and the Soviet occupying power. This does not seem right, especially against the background of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Neatkarīgā has reported on them many times. More than 300 objects related to burials are "Russian strategic communication in Latvian cemeteries." And there are about the same number of monuments, plaques and concrete items that have no bones, but have no lesser ideological messages. These are the "Occupation monuments, which should at least be discussed." These monuments in themselves provoke Latvian society. The "Monument to the Soviet Soldiers - Liberators of Soviet Latvia and Riga from the German Fascist Invaders" - because of its scale and location - especially so.
Helping the Russian Embassy
Artefacts of Soviet power are part of the Kremlin's policy of nationalism and are carefully tended and cared for in all countries once occupied, but especially in Latvia. They are restored, erected, ceremonies are held and tributes are paid to the "liberators". The same occupiers that are currently invading Ukraine. And now, the Riga Regional Directorate of the State Police has been sent to help the Russian Embassy monitor these monuments. Neatkarīgā has obtained a circular signed by the Acting Head of the Riga Region, Juris Stalģevics. It is very likely that the same circulars were also sent to the staff of other state police headquarters: "To avoid possible provocations, which are usually followed by negative repercussions in the mass media, pay increased attention to World War II memorials, memorial sites, cemeteries. If necessary, react accordingly."
The man with the small hammer
The link is clear: Ukraine is at war and public hatred of the aggressor is growing. The officers have been instructed to intensify the surveillance of Soviet monuments from February 24 at 16:00 until further notice. But - either the police in Riga had not yet read such an order, or they deliberately turned a blind eye - on the morning of February 25 the "Monument to the Soviet Soldiers - Liberators of Soviet Latvia and Riga from the German Fascist Invaders" was covered with yellow and blue paint, and the words "Glory to Ukraine!" were written alongside it. Soon the paint referencing the Ukrainian flag and the inscription were cleaned up. However, there is now a dent in the obelisk, which will remain for a longer time. Inspired by the people who painted the monument, one man went there with a small hammer in hand. He could not demolish it - that is the task of the Riga City Council, the Saeima and the Cabinet of Ministers - but he expressed his civic stance and support for Ukraine.
Why such concern?
The police have launched investigations into both incidents, and patrols are making the rounds of all artefacts to Soviet glory until further notice, making sure that the example of the painter and the man with the hammer are not followed.
Neatkarīgā asked a number of questions to the State Police and the Ministry of the Interior about the resources invested in guarding Soviet monuments. What is the purpose of the increased surveillance of World War II memorials and memorial sites by the national police? What is the purpose of the increased monitoring of protests against Russian actions? Is there also monitoring of pro-Kremlin individuals and, in particular, of employees of the interior ministries? The short answer is that the police are there to prevent conflict situations, everything must be done lawfully, and the police are politically neutral! The Office of the Minister of the Interior had nothing to add here.
Explanation by the State Police
Here is the full reply received:
"All this time the State Police has been fulfilling its direct duties - taking care of public order and security, as well as ensuring that the laws and regulations of Latvia are observed. When planning their daily work and monitoring the situation, they also take into account current events in the country and outside it, which could lead to various activities, for example, assessing whether and where there is a possibility for a gathering of people. Accordingly, the police also plan their work according to events to ensure that everything is in order from a public order point of view in every place in Latvia.
Just like at any other public gathering, protest, the police are always present to ensure public order and security. In view of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the people's desire to show their support for Ukraine, the State Police are always present at the scene, carrying out their direct duties and ensuring that no conflicts of any kind arise.
The State Police fully understands the desire of the population to show support for Ukraine and the police are not putting any obstacles in the way, however, the State Police reiterates its call on the population to do so in compliance with the laws of Latvia and without committing any offences. There are several legal and legitimate ways to express your support and position without violating Latvian law. Citizens are urged to respect and observe them.
The State Police is, was and will be politically neutral. But the State Police does not support military aggression in which civilians suffer.
The State Police is categorically opposed to the war in Ukraine and stands in solidarity to show support for Ukraine."
To sum up, war is bad, but order comes first! Especially at the monuments erected to honor the Red Army and the Soviet occupation. This is now a priority for police patrols - sites should be inspected at least every three hours.