Desecrator of monument potentially received EUR 350 from Russian services

In a recent development, an Estonian-Russian dual citizen, born in 1977, has been charged by the Latvian prosecutor's office for his alleged involvement in the desecration of the "Defenders of the Kurzeme Fortress - Soldiers of the Latvian Legion" memorial in Tukums municipality, Latvia.

The man was detained by the State Security Service (VDD) on February 8 at the Pāternieki border checkpoint. He is currently in custody in Lithuania, with no further information available about his actions or relationship with the man also in detention in the same country.

The desecration of the memorial occurred on January 29, 2023, and was reportedly done on behalf of Russian special services. The perpetrators poured red paint on the monument, causing significant damage.

The other person involved in this act of vandalism is also a dual citizen of Estonia and Russia and is currently in detention in Lithuania. However, the Latvian prosecution has not filed a formal request for his extradition, and his name remains undisclosed.

The location of the man's detention is specified as Lithuania. The Latvian prosecutor's office will decide whether to ask Lithuania to extradite the man. The Prosecutor's Office has stated that he does not plead guilty to the charges.

The desecration occurred in the parish of Dzūkste in Tukums municipality. The memorial, dedicated to the soldiers of the Latvian Legion, stands as a symbol of courage and sacrifice, making the act of vandalism particularly distressing.

The case is currently under investigation, and more information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses. The public and authorities remain vigilant in protecting the country's historical sites and symbols.