Rinkēvičs meets children deported to Siberia: "Nothing is more dangerous than silence"

On Sunday, June 14, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met at Riga Castle with individuals repressed during the Soviet era – Latvian children deported to Siberia on June 14, 1941. This year marks 85 years since the first major deportations.

In his speech, the President noted that this is a touching moment to meet them and reminded that Latvian history saw two large waves of repression – in 1941 and 1949. He emphasized that Stalin's regime aimed to destroy the intelligentsia, officer corps, and the flower of the nation.

"Nothing is more dangerous than oblivion. Nothing is more dangerous than silence," Rinkēvičs said, adding that if we remain silent and forget, such events can repeat. He stressed the need to strengthen defense and national spirit.

The President thanked the repressed for sharing and preserving their stories for future generations. He also mentioned Dzintra Geka and said he had reviewed the "Siberian Children" project and life stories.

Later, speaking at the Occupation Museum, Rinkēvičs noted that 85 years ago, both children and adults were deported, whose only crime was patriotism. He called for unity around a common goal – the freedom and independence of the country.

It is known that on June 14, 1941, more than 15,400 people were deported in the first mass deportation, including 3,741 children under 16. In prisons, 700 were executed, 3,453 died, and 1,940 perished in exile settlements.