Saudi flag taken down from Vanšu Bridge cables

A Saudi Arabian flag was removed from the cables of Riga’s Vanšu Bridge on Wednesday morning, the Riga Municipal Police told public broadcaster LSM.

Police removed a flag of the former Islamic Republic of Afghanistan from the bridge cables two weeks ago. The municipal police have opened administrative proceedings over the incidents on suspicion of disturbing public order. The offense carries a warning or a fine of up to 500 euros for an individual and up to 5,000 euros for a legal entity.

Riga Deputy Mayor Edvards Ratnieks of the National Alliance said the second flag of an Islamic country to be placed on the bridge in a short period could be considered a provocation. He called on the State Security Service and other responsible agencies to investigate the incidents carefully.

Ratnieks said he had instructed the municipal police to pay increased attention to the bridge to prevent similar incidents. He also urged the public to rely on the responsible authorities and not give the incidents heightened attention.