In Latvia, the use of the Z symbol at public events is now prohibited. The letter is used by supporters of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. The parliament in Riga on Thursday passed an amendment to the law, according to which the symbol that can be seen on Russian military vehicles in the war zone, as well as the “V”, which stands for “sila v pravde” (“Power lies in truth”), may not be displayed , or other similar symbols.
Violations are therefore punished with fines: the Z symbol stands for “za pobedu” (“For victory”). This equates the characters with Nazi and Soviet symbols such as the swastika or hammer and sickle, which are publicly banned in the EU and NATO country.
Fear of incidents and provocations
The new regulation also bans public events at Soviet monuments located less than 200 meters away. Thus, the Saeima Parliament delays the celebration of the so-called Victory Day on May 9, when members of the strong Russian minority in Latvia celebrate the Russian anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Hitler’s Germany. In view of the war in Ukraine, there were fears of possible incidents and provocations.
Involuntarily part of the Soviet Union until 1991
Latvia was alternately occupied by Germany and the Soviet Union during World War II. After the end of the war, the Baltic state was involuntarily part of the Soviet Union until 1991. “May 9 is nothing but a glorification of the occupation of our country,” Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins recently said on Latvian television. Latvia officially commemorates the victory over Nazism and the victims of World War II on May 8.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
