Tight security as SS veterans march in Latvia
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 16 March 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Tight security as SS veterans march in Latvia, 16 March 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/534d2eb88.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 16, 2014
Latvians who fought on Nazi Germany's side against the Soviets in World War II staged their annual march in Riga on March 16 amid a heavy police presence.
Around 1,500 people – elderly veterans and their supporters – took part in the controversial march, moinitored by hundreds of police officers.
Opponents shouted, "Shame!" and "No to fascism," but the protests were low-key.
Veterans of the Latvian Legion say they were defending their homeland against Soviet occupation.
They have paraded in Riga every March 16 since Soviet rule ended in 1991.
Critics see the annual marches as glorifying Nazism.
Russia and many from Latvia's large Russian-speaking minority have reacted angrily to such events in the past.
This year, Latvia's government warned against participating in the march, citing security concerns and the situation in Ukraine.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
