Latvian authorities on Tuesday began to dismantle a monument dedicated to the Soviet victory in the capital of the Baltic country, while Moscow strongly protests against these intentions, reports dpa.
Workers removed several giant bronze statues, part of this monument was surrounded by a protective shield, and access was blocked by the police, Agerpres notes.
It is not yet known when the main component of the monument – a 79-meter-high pillar topped with a Soviet star – will be completely demolished.
Preparations are ongoing, but the municipality says that explosives will not be used.
Everything glorifying totalitarian regimes must be dismantled by November 15, according to a resolution of the Latvian parliament, which refers to the demolition of a monument dedicated to the Soviet victory.
Russia strongly protested against these intentions.
Monument to the Soviet victory in Riga
The monument was erected in 1985 on the 40th anniversary of the victory of the USSR over the Nazi regime in World War II as a “monument dedicated to those who liberated Soviet Latvia and Riga from the German-fascist invaders.”
During World War II, Latvia was occupied by both Germany and the Soviet Union. After the end of the war, the Baltic states were forcibly part of the Soviet Union until 1991.
Therefore, most Latvians perceive the monument not as a symbol of victory over Hitler, but as a symbol of the restoration of the Soviet occupation.
Protest against demolition
Latvian police this evening detained groups of Russian protesters who tried to prevent the demolition of the 80-meter monument in Riga, which glorifies the Red Army.
Pro-Russian groups have been gathering in front of the monument for years. pic.twitter.com/2PF181dTqk
— Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) August 23, 2022
Russian residents of Latvia come to this monument every year to celebrate the Russian holiday Victory Day on May 9.
About 25% of Latvia’s population is made up of ethnic Russians.
Several people were arrested on Monday evening during a small unauthorized protest against the demolition of the monument.
Meanwhile, the judicial authorities of Moscow opened a case on the fact of the monument’s demolition.
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