Latvian Guard Organization Plans to Patrol Riga Center; Police Deny Authorization

In a video posted on TikTok, a representative of the 'Latvian Guard Organization,' Gatis Ulmanis, commander of the Staff Company, declared the group's intention to start 'overseeing public order' in Riga's city center. The patrols would initially target parks, later possibly expanding to Sarkandaugava and near the Origo shopping center.

Ulmanis claimed in the video that the patrols had been coordinated with relevant authorities, including the leadership of Riga Municipal Police (RPP). He stated the patrols aim to address cases where immigrants fail to respect European and local traditions.

However, RPP told the news portal Delfi that the association has not been granted any powers to carry out law enforcement functions. The municipal police did not confirm having authorized such patrols, contradicting Ulmanis's assertions of coordination.

It remains unclear whether the organization will proceed with the patrols, but the video has sparked debate about the role of non-governmental organizations in maintaining public order.