Baltic States – CIS, Latvia, Legislation, Security

The organization had requested permission to organize a four-day assembly at Riga's Kronvalda Park from March 14 to 18.

However, after a meeting today between the organizers of the event and Riga City Council representatives, as well as after recommendations from the Security Police, State Police, Municipal Police and Riga City Council, it was decided to prohibit the assembly, Riga City Council Executive Director Juris Radzevics informed.

Radzevics had received a letter from the Security Police which included information on the controversial organization, its previous activities and objectives, as well as the criminal process started against the organization's leader. Police also pointed out to the inconsistencies in what the organization announces publicly in regard to the aim of its assemblies, and what its actual activities are. The Security Police concluded that the organization of such an event is a threat to the democratic system and public order.

''GVD Baltija'' has made the news in recent months for holding fund-raising events in suburban neighborhoods for humanitarian aid for Donbas [Ukraine], but suspicion has been raised that the money is in fact for the insurgency and its terror activity.