Latvia Probes Display of Russian Imperial Flag

(MENAFN) Law enforcement in Latvia have initiated an inquiry after a banner featuring the Russian Empire’s coat of arms was spotted on a private residence close to the eastern city of Rezekne, a state broadcaster reported.

Earlier, Riga prohibited the public exhibition of the letters ‘Z’ and ‘V’ due to their association with the Ukraine war and also restricted gatherings within 200 meters of Soviet-era memorials.

According to the outlet, the black, yellow, and white flag—which was displayed for only a few hours—carried the words “We are Russians. God is with us.”

Police labeled it as “a symbol glorifying military aggression.” Meanwhile, locals interviewed by regional television argued that they saw nothing inappropriate in using what they considered a historic banner.

“It is a symbol of tsarist Russia. It is not modern Russia. It comes from the soul, it’s not about war,” a local resident was quoted by the broadcaster as saying.

A police representative stated that when officers reached the site, the banner was still hanging on the wall. It was promptly removed, and “administrative offence proceedings” were launched against the individual involved.

Since the intensification of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Latvia has increasingly imposed restrictions on its Russian minority. Official data shows that roughly one-quarter of the nation’s 1.8 million citizens are of Russian ethnicity.

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