Latvia Opens 35 Administrative Cases on May 9 for Symbols Glorifying Aggression

In Latvia, 35 administrative offense proceedings were initiated on May 9, primarily for using symbols that glorify armed aggression, including the St. George ribbon. Most cases were recorded online, with 10 in public places.

In Riga, some participants used St. George ribbons, Soviet emblems, and «Russia» inscriptions. One man received two administrative proceedings. In Daugavpils, an intoxicated man walked with a speaker playing a song glorifying aggression. A similar violation was recorded for a driver in Riga. Several individuals received proceedings for being in an intoxicated state near memorial sites.

Overall, May 9 passed without significant incidents. Authorities had warned that laying flowers at the site of demolished Soviet monuments would be considered glorification of these symbols and armed aggression. The security service operated in an enhanced mode.

In Estonia, the police also operated in an enhanced mode. In Narva, a poster reading «Putin – war criminal» was displayed. In Vilnius, a man with a St. George ribbon was detained, and the Russian community at Antakalnis Cemetery was met with a counter-demonstration featuring toilet paper with the image of the Kremlin leader.