On Sunday, February 7th, in response to the call of Belarusian national democratic movement leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Riga has joined together with other cities across the globe in commemorating a Day of Solidarity with Belarus. To express its support to the Belarusian people, Riga City Council together with mobile tech innovator LMT, has created a video greeting, in which the Daugava River, a symbol of Latvian freedom, is illuminated by drone in the colors of the white-red-white flag of the Belarusian national democratic movement.
30 years ago, hundreds of thousands of Latvians gathered on the banks of the Daugava River on a cold January day in defense of their freedom. Today, Riga stands with millions of Belarusians in support of theirs. Our thoughts are with the Belarusian people during this arduous time, and we wish our neighbors strength in the belief that justice will prevail. #Жыве Беларусь! #standwithbelarus
As a further statement of solidarity, several public buildings – Riga City Hall, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Library, the Latvian Television building and VEF Culture Palace – will also be illuminated in the colors of the Belarusian flag of independence.
Latvia does not recognize the results of the presidential elections in Belarus on August 9th, 2020, and condemns the violence against peaceful demonstrations and the repression of the freedom of speech. Latvia considers a new, free, and fair presidential election as the only solution to this crisis.