Latvian parliament approves ban on Russian military symbols 'V' and 'Z'

The letters V and Z have become symbols of the Russian military.
The letters V and Z have become symbols of the Russian military. Copyright AP Photo
By Euronews
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Latvian citizens face fines if they display the symbols at any public events to show support for "Russia's military aggression".

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Latvia's parliament has approved a ban on displaying the Russian military 'Z' symbol following its invasion of Ukraine.

MPs voted on Thursday to prohibit people from displaying symbols of military aggression and war crimes at public events.

Anyone found guilty under the new law will be fined up to €350 euros, while companies can be fined up to €2,900 euros.

The Latvia parliament (Saeima) said in a statement that changing the law on public events was "urgent".

"While condemning Russia's war activities in Ukraine, we must take a firm stance that symbols glorifying Russia's military aggression," said Artuss Kaimiņš, chair of the Latvian Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee.

"The letters 'Z', 'V', or other symbols used for such purposes have no place in public events," he added.

Latvia had already banned symbols that promote or glorify Nazi or communist regimes, except where they are used for "educational, scientific or artistic purposes".

Citizens are now also prohibited from holding any events within 200 metres of any monument commemorating the Soviet army or its occupation of Latvia after the Second World War.

In the last month, the 'Z' symbol has become a common sight on Russian military vehicles and pro-Kremlin social media accounts.

Russia's defence ministry has also used the letter 'V' in connection with the war in Ukraine. Neither letter exists in the Russian alphabet.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has called for a universal ban on the political use of the letter 'Z' following the invasion.

Lawmakers in another Baltic country Lithuania are also debating a ban on the black and orange Georgian ribbon and the 'Z' symbol.

Federal authorities in Germany have also welcomed announcements by some states to investigate whether individual instances of the “Z” use constitute criminal acts.

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