Volunteer 'defenders' promise to patrol Riga; police say no permission given

Volunteer 'defenders' promise to patrol Riga; police say no permission given

The organization "Latvijas Aizsargu organizācija" has posted a video on social media announcing its intention to patrol the streets of Riga. In the video, representatives claim that visitors to the city do not respect European traditions, necessitating additional control. They promise to maintain order and assert that the initiative has been coordinated with the municipal police.

LSM contacted the police to verify this claim. The municipal police stated that no permission has been granted for such patrols. Furthermore, police emphasize that volunteer patrolling without official authorization is not allowed. The organization's claims of coordination with the police are false.

It remains unclear whether the organization will actually begin patrolling. The video has sparked mixed reactions on social media: some residents support the initiative, while others express concerns about potential vigilantism. Police urge citizens to report any illegal activities.

This incident highlights the question of the extent to which private individuals can assume public order maintenance functions. In Latvia, such initiatives are regulated by law, and without appropriate permission, patrolling could be considered arbitrary. Police will continue to monitor the situation.