Latvian flag desecration: five detained in Daugavpils and Preiļi
State Police detained five individuals over two days in connection with alleged desecration of the Latvian state flag in Daugavpils and Preiļi. Criminal proceedings have been initiated in both cases under Article 93 of the Criminal Law.
Five detentions over two days for flag desecration
State Police detained a total of five individuals on 21 and 22 August in connection with alleged desecration of the Latvian state flag — one incident in Daugavpils, another in Preiļi. Google News LV — Crime (lv) reported on both cases, citing information provided by State Police.
The first incident was recorded on 21 August in Daugavpils: individuals had torn the Latvian state flag from its designated holder and thrown it to the ground. Officials from the South Latgale district of the Latgale Regional Department of State Police identified the suspected perpetrators and placed them in temporary detention. Information available to police indicates that at the time of the incident the individuals were intoxicated; moreover, one of them filmed the event.
The second incident occurred on the evening of 22 August in Preiļi. Police received a report that two individuals had attempted to damage the Latvian state flag, whilst another person had slung a flag that was on a flag pole over their shoulder. Initial information suggests that the young people may have removed flag poles from apartment buildings. Police detained three young people and placed them in temporary detention.
Criminal proceedings have been initiated in connection with both incidents under Article 93 of the Criminal Law — for desecration of state symbols, including tearing down, ripping, destroying or otherwise defacing the flag, as well as public desecration of the national anthem. The law provides for such offences a sentence of imprisonment of up to three years, short-term imprisonment, probation supervision, community service or a fine.
Police are continuing the investigation and will clarify the motives of the detained individuals. State Police remind the public that no person is considered guilty until their guilt has been proven in the manner prescribed by law.
Source: Google News LV — Crime (lv)