“Daugavas Vanagi” to appeal Riga City Council's ban of March 16 events

RIGA - After Riga City Council lawyers issue the official document banning all rallies and processions on March 16, the veterans welfare organization "Daugavas Vanagi" will turn to courts to contest this decision, LETA was informed by "Daugavas Vanagi" representative and Riga City Council deputy Janis Atis Krumins.

Krumins pointed out that the Administrative District Court lifted the Riga City Council's ban last year, and all events were held without any notable incidents or arrests.

"Daugavas Vanagi" will turn to courts to bring order to the issue's legal aspect, however, if the Riga City Council's ban is not lifted, the 2009 scenario will most likely repeat - people will commemorate Latvian legionnaires and lay flowers at the Freedom Monument all the same, but in this case all events will be chaotic, said Krumins.

As reported, taking into account security risks and the tense atmosphere in the community, Deputy Riga Executive Maris Kalve announced yesterday that all seven pro and anti [WWII] Latvian Legion Day events, scheduled for March 16, will be banned.

Yesterday, security experts, in the presence of the seven event organizers, briefed Kalve on all aspects. As a result, a ban was issued after hearing about possible provocations and the threat to public safety.