RIGA (Sputnik) — Latvian Unity Party lawmaker Veiko Spolitis wants to penalize those displaying St. George Ribbons and other Soviet-era insignia, according to local media.
The Latvian daily Vesti Segodnya reported on Tuesday that Spolitis introduced amendments to the country's Administrative Code imposing a 350-euro ($391) fine on individuals wearing St. George ribbons. The punishment affects those wearing former Soviet republics' as well as Nazi flags and symbols during pickets, marches, meetings, exhibitions and public holidays.
Saturday, May 9, marks the 70th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat and the war's end in Europe.
Spolitis' intended amendments also penalize drivers for tying the ribbons to their vehicles.
Repeated violators of the new law will either face another fine of $783 or administrative arrest for up to 15 days.
The St. George Ribbon, a decoration awarded for acts of valor on WWII battlefields, has turned into a patriotic symbol in Russia.
A campaign to distribute the ribbons in Russia and 70 other countries, including former Soviet republics, Germany, France, Britain and the United States, dates back to 2005 and has since become an annual Victory Day tradition.
