Latvian Seima bans symbols glorifying Russian military aggression

On Thursday, March 31, the Seima of Latvia adopted in the second and final reading urgent amendments to the Law on the Safety of Mass Entertainment and Festive Events.

This was reported on the website of the Latvian Parliament.

The amendments prohibit symbols used to denote military aggression and war crimes, except where the purpose is not to justify or glorify such crimes.

"Condemning Russia's war in Ukraine, we must send a strong signal that symbols glorifying Russian military aggression, such as the letters Z or V, or other symbols used for this purpose, are inappropriate in public events," said Artus Kaimins, chairperson of the Committee on Human Rights and Public Relations, which is responsible for promoting the bill in the Seima.

The law also stipulates that the glorification of the Nazi and Communist regimes is prohibited during public events; this includes celebrating the birthdays of representatives of these ideologies, the days of remembrance of battles and victories, and the occupation of free and independent state territories or parts of such states.

The amendments also prohibit the issuance of a permit to organize an event if the planned event is held within 200 meters of any monument in Latvia that celebrates victory and perpetuates the memory of the Soviet Army and its troops.

There is also an increased fine for violating the established procedure for organizing and holding mass entertainment and holiday events: a warning or a fine of 400 euros is imposed on an individual, and a fine of up to 3,200 euros is imposed on a legal entity.