Saeima supports amendments banning public use of symbols that Russian armed forces use in Ukraine war

RIGA - Saeima today passed in the final reading amendments to the Law on Administrative Penalties, introducing a new fine for using in public symbols that glorify military aggression and war crimes.

The original motion, submitted by Greens/Farmers members Viktors Valainis, Uldis Augulis, Edgars Tavars, Didzis Smits, Armands Krauze, Janina Jalinska, Gundars Daudze, Janis Vucans, Maris Kucinskis and Raimonds Bergmanis, proposed a ban on publicly displaying symbols that the Russian armed forces use in Ukraine.

Valainis said earlier that the bill would ban public use of such symbols as letters Z and V used by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine.

According to the amendments approved by Saeima today, there will be certain exceptions if such symbols are used for other purposes than glorifying war crimes.

The fine for public use of symbols that glorify military aggression and war crimes will be EUR 350 for private individuals and EUR 2,900 for legal entities.