Desecration of Latvian flag in Daugavpils and Preiļi — five detained, two criminal cases
State Police in Latgale have initiated two criminal cases following flag desecration incidents in Daugavpils and Preiļi. A total of five individuals have been detained.
Flag desecration in Latgale: five people detained in two cities
Officials from the Latgale region division of the State Police initiated two criminal cases last week concerning the desecration of the Latvian national symbol, according to Google News LV — Crime (lv).
The first incident was registered on 21 August in Daugavpils, when unidentified individuals tore down the flag of the Republic of Latvia from its designated holder and threw it on the ground. Officers from the South Latgale precinct responded promptly and identified the suspected perpetrators, who were detained and placed in temporary detention. Information available to police indicates that at the time of the offence, the individuals were under the influence of alcohol, and one of them filmed the incident.
The second incident occurred on the evening of 22 August in Preiļi. Officers from the North Latgale precinct received information that two unidentified individuals had attempted to damage the flag of the Republic of Latvia, whilst a third person had placed the flag over their shoulder. Initial information suggests that the young people may have removed the flag poles from an apartment building. Three young people suspected of desecrating the national symbol were detained and placed in temporary detention.
In both cases, criminal proceedings were initiated under Article 93 of the Criminal Law — for the tearing down, ripping, breaking, destroying or otherwise desecrating the Latvian national flag. Law enforcement will clarify the motives of the detained individuals during the investigation.
The penalty for such a criminal offence is imprisonment for up to three years, short-term imprisonment, probation supervision, community service, or a monetary fine.
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)