Participants of protest campaign organized by MP Gobzems gather by the Riga Castle

RIGA - On Monday afternoon, participants of an unauthorized protest campaign organized by the opposition politician, populist MP Aldis Gobzems (Law and Order) are gathering by the Riga Castle.

Shortly before 16:00, more than 500 people had gathered by the Riga Castle, while before 17:00 this number rose to over 1,000. People are observing distance and have gathered in a broader territory.

As reported, the Riga City Council did not approve the protest rally planned by Gobzems.

Law enforcement authorities have recommended not to allow the event. The local government, after contacting the organizer, is not convinced that the organizer will take responsibility for the event if it does not take place in accordance with the regulatory norms currently in force in the country.

The municipality notes that there is also no assurance that the organizer will cooperate with the police, but the opposite impression has emerged, as evidenced by the events of this week in other Latvian cities.

The municipality has concluded that it is not expedient to ensure the right of the organizer to organize an event for 20 people, as this would directly endanger the rights of other people's health, endangering the health of the public as a whole.

Gobzems previously informed on social networks that a protest rally would be held in Riga on December 13.

As reported, the State Police has initiated several dozen administrative violations processes against Gobzems in connection with his political activities recently.