Controversy over Latvian Riflemen Monument sparks debate in Riga

The Latvian Association of Professional Guides has expressed frustration over the continued presence of the Latvian Riflemen Monument in the Old Town of Riga, as reported by the Latvian Television program “4. studija” on January 12. The monument, which commemorates the Latvian Riflemen, has become a focal point in the ongoing debate about the removal of Soviet-era symbols.

The controversy arises from a special law enacted to dismantle objects glorifying Soviet and Nazi regimes. While several such monuments have been demolished or relocated, the Latvian Riflemen Monument remains in place, leading to questions about its appropriateness.

In a letter addressed to various institutions, including the Deputy Chairman of the Riga City Council, the Riga Monuments Agency, and the National Heritage Board, the guides question whether removing the word “red” from the monument’s name sufficiently alters its historical context. During the Soviet era, the monument honored the Latvian Red Riflemen, a group linked to Soviet power, and was closely associated with the Pioneers and Komsomol youth organizations.

Inguna Motte, a board member of the Latvian Association of Professional Guides, highlighted the historical complexities, noting that some Latvian Riflemen held high positions in the KGB and were involved in establishing concentration camps. This legacy, she argues, leaves a stain on the monument’s historical narrative.

The monument, depicting three men standing back-to-back, was erected in the early 1970s to mark Lenin’s jubilee. Known colloquially as “Lenin’s Guards,” it received the USSR State Prize for its architectural ensemble. At the turn of the century, discussions about dismantling the monument surfaced but were ultimately set aside to maintain a balance between different historical narratives in Riga.

Kaspars Zellis, a senior researcher at the University of Latvia, emphasized the importance of using the monument as a tool for reflection on Latvia’s complex past. He acknowledged the symbolic significance of the Red Rifles and suggested that the monument serves as a gateway to understanding the broader history of Latvia.

The Riga City Council has indicated that it will review any formal application from the guides’ association regarding the monument and will consult with the National Heritage Board on the matter.

The debate over the Latvian Riflemen Monument underscores the ongoing struggle to reconcile Latvia’s Soviet past with its present identity, raising important questions about historical memory and the role of public monuments.