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Waffen SS veterans hold official memorial march in Latvian capital Riga

Published: 16 March, 2010, 13:31
Edited: 07 June, 2010, 10:19

During the march of the SS legionaries in Riga. (RIA Novosti / Oksana Djhadan, STR)

(10.1Mb) embed video

TAGS: Military, Scandal, Protest, Europe, History


Latvian Waffen SS veterans have been parading in the Latvian capital Riga to honor their comrades who died fighting on the German side during the Second World War.

The event, which is held annually, never fails to stir controversy, causing outrage both in Latvia and abroad, as many consider it a glorification of Nazism.

The authorities in Riga banned the parade earlier this month because of security concerns.


Latvia, Riga: Protestors shout as former veterans of the Latvian Legion, a force that was part of the Nazi German Waffen SS, walk with relatives to the Monument of Freedom as part of an annual commemoration on March 16, 2009 in Riga (AFP Photo / Ilmars Znotins)

Regardless, on Monday, a Riga court lifted the ban, saying there was no threat to security in the city, although anti-fascist groups are holding a counter-demonstration.

From 1998 to 2000, the 16th of March has been an official remembrance day in the country to pay tribute to the Latvian Legion.

The Legion was created in 1943 on the order of Adolf Hitler.

The danger of such events as the march of the SS legionaries in Riga is in making neo-Nazism or racism something that is acceptable, warned Glyn Ford, a former member of the European parliament from the British Labour Party.

Latvia is not alone in its glorification of Nazi collaborators as a way of criticizing the Soviet era, but “one could be critical of the Soviet era without actually getting into bed with neo-Nazis.”

Watch full interview with Glyn Ford

+8 (20 votes)
 
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Gatis Gzibovskis March 14, 2012, 15:28
+1

you have a very narrow knowledge of history!
Before you say that Fascists march in Riga again: it would be worthwhile to know the truth, namely, whether they are really Fascists, maybe they will place flowers at the Freedom Monument to deny the deep respect the head of the Latvian Legion, who fought with Stalin's assassin teams.

I invite you to Latvia in the ninth May to you together with the Communists to participate in the real feast and celebrate Stalin's victory over 20miljon civilians who have been violently killed on Stalin's orders. You will be able to drink vodka, and the glory of victory over the old people, women and young children!
You do not have a clue about what is happening in Europe, come and see-the philosopher.

Janis Irbe March 14, 2012, 15:24
+1

This is remebrance, not glorification. 
Just one year before Hitler broke into USSR Latvia was already "given" to Stalin by Molotov–Ribbentrop pact. This document and its secret protocol still exists as a proof of criminal agreement between Hitler and Stalin. In year 1940. independent state of Latvia Republic (and also Estonia and Lithuania) was threatened by forces outnumbering ours at least 1:10000 and taken over by USSR. These forces were recalled form USSR-Finland war as Stalin had different plan for Europe.
During this first year of lost independence Latvians (and other nations) already suffered severe consequences and damage in form of Stalin genocide. While it's possible to blame half of Latvians for joining Hitler's forces, other half was fighting at Stalin's side. Exception ir Arajs brigade which is true shame for all Latvians and crime against Hebrews. Most Latvians were joining either army called in by force. So for typical Latvian going to war wasn't act of free will, rather no-choice situation.
When war came close to an end Latvians that were in Waffen SS were hoping to prevent Stalin to take over Latvia again. That was their last hope and resulted in desperate fight which led to nothing but their death.
On March 16. it's memorial march. There is no thought of glorification of Hitler on the slightest. It is to memorize the fallen war comrades that thought that they can prevent comeback of Stalin's regime. So they fought against their brothers forced to serve on the other side. This was totally unnecessary and fierce, still unavoidable bloodshed.
We were on the crossroads of two monster states. Please understand that and don't make exaggerated statements. Your audience may get more  loyal if you unveil this whole story, not state just something that is not covered by facts and logic.
This march is also to make other nations to remember and to understand. USSR is rarely remembered as aggressor against Finland, Baltic states and Poland. So this is to make our point clearer when someone questions our history. 
Just my thoughts, I'm not going there anyway.

Vladimir March 30, 2010, 14:14
0

It has long been known to everyone Baltic nations are basically Nazi deep within their souls. It is sometimes difficult to follow the line of reasoning of individuals such as Marzipan6.