Defacement of Latvian flag in Daugavpils and Preiļi — five detained
State Police have detained five persons for defacement of the Latvian state flag in Daugavpils and Preiļi. Two criminal proceedings have been initiated under Article 93 of the Criminal Law.
Flag defacement in Latgale: police detain five
Google News LV — Crime reports that State Police Latgale Regional Office officials launched two criminal proceedings last week in connection with the defacement of the Latvian state symbol — one in Daugavpils, the other in Preiļi.
Daugavpils, 21 August
On 21 August, police received information that unknown persons had torn down the flag of the Latvian Republic from its designated holder and thrown it on the ground in Daugavpils. Officers from the South Latgale District promptly identified the suspected perpetrators, who were detained and placed in temporary detention. Information available to police suggests that the persons were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the offence. One of them filmed the act.
Preiļi, 22 August
The following evening in the city of Preiļi, two persons attempted to damage the Latvian flag, while a third person was seen carrying a flag across their shoulder. Initial information suggests that the youths with flag poles and flags possibly removed them from apartment buildings. Officers from the North Latgale District identified the suspected perpetrators and detained three youths, who were also placed in temporary detention.
Criminal proceedings and possible penalty
In both cases, criminal proceedings were initiated under Article 93 of the Criminal Law — for tearing down, ripping, breaking, destroying or otherwise defacing the state emblem or flag, as well as for public defacement of the anthem. The prescribed penalty is imprisonment for a period of up to three years, short-term imprisonment, probation supervision, community service or a fine. During the investigation, law enforcement will establish the motives of the detained persons.
State Police remind that no person is considered guilty until their guilt has been proved in the manner prescribed by law.
Source: Google News LV — Crime (lv)