Limbaži council backs action plan on Soviet soldiers' graves at Livonian hill fort

The Limbaži Municipality Council in Latvia discussed the future use of Ķezberkalns, also known as the Livonian hill fort, at its meeting on 22 October. Councillors decided to authorise and support several associations willing to prepare an action plan for the Soviet army soldiers' mass graves located there. The decision matters because, after years of discussion, a concrete step is now planned.

Background of the site

Soviet army soldiers who fell during the Second World War were buried at Ķezberkalns, and after the war the site was turned into a mass grave memorial. The historic location in Limbaži is described as an ideological cemetery. Public debate about what to do with it has been extensive in recent years. The previous council term also took up the matter, but no action followed.

What the decision involves

The issue returned to the agenda after a submission to the council from several associations. According to deputy council chair Ģirts Vilciņš, the matter had been talked about for years without action, and now the municipality agrees to support the associations. They are to clarify all the circumstances, draw up an action plan and contact the responsible institutions about the possibility of relocating the burials.

The meeting saw no disputes or lengthy debate among deputies, and everyone appeared to agree that action was needed. Deputy Māris Beļaunieks did voice concern about who would fund the planned work. Council chair Sigita Upmale replied that this is exactly why a clear action plan is needed first, so that the scale of the work becomes visible. Only then can funding be considered, and the council can also talk with the associations, for example about their participation in projects.