Latvia has banned celebrating May 9
The document was recognized as urgent and approved in two readings at once
The Latvian Saeima has passed a law banning any public events on May 9, except for those dedicated to Europe Day. The document was recognized as urgent and approved in two readings at once. 79 out of 100 deputies voted in favor, with one abstention.
Source. This was reported on the website of the Latvian parliament.
Thus, on May 9, meetings, marches, pickets, as well as spectacular and festive events in open public areas will not be allowed throughout Latvia. In addition, municipalities are prohibited from issuing permits for them. The use of pyrotechnics is also prohibited until the morning of May 10.
Earlier, the Latvian authorities planned to declare May 9 as a day of remembrance for those injured and killed in the war in Ukraine, as they did last year. However, the Commission on Human Rights and Public Relations prepared a bill to ban any public events on this date.
"May 9 is a day used by a certain part of society to glorify totalitarian and occupation regimes, and it is in our interest to prevent events that degrade our democratic values, divide society, glorify military aggression and contribute to the false coverage of historical events," said Ewa Brante, chair of the Commission.
The Saeima noted that the purpose of the law is to "protect the interests of state and public security, prevent disorder, protect the health and morality of the population."
They reminded that Latvia perceives its presence in the USSR as an occupation. In addition, the document "aims to express solidarity with the Ukrainian people, whose sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity are threatened by Russian military aggression."
Background. As reported, in Latvia, Russians who fail to pass the state language exam will be expelled from the country.
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