Latvia commemorates victims of communist genocide on 85th anniversary of first mass deportation

Commemorative events in Riga

At 9:30 a.m., a memorial moment will take place at the railway station "Šķirotava," followed by the official ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at the memorial to victims of Soviet occupation, "History Taktila," attended by state officials and foreign diplomats. At 1:00 p.m., remembrance events will be held at Matīsa Cemetery at several burial sectors, including those for victims executed without trial at Riga Central Prison in June 1941 and members of the national resistance movement.

President's statement

President Edgars Rinkēvičs emphasized the importance of preserving memory 85 years after the mass deportation. He noted that four out of ten deportees died in exile, and those who returned did not return home, as their home was a free Latvia. He called for dedicating all energy to ensure Latvia remains free and strong.

Cultural program

At Latvian Riflemen Square, video testimonies of deportees from the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia will be shown throughout the day. In the evening, a concert "The Reddish Sun Rises" will take place at St. John's Church, and at 9:30 p.m., Lūcija Garūta's cantata "God, Your Land is Burning!" will be performed at Torņakalns Church.

Historical context

On June 14, 1941, the Soviet regime deported over 15,400 people, including 3,741 children. The death penalty was imposed on 700 individuals in detention, while 1,940 died in settlements. In total, more than 4,000 deportees perished.