Man detained in Latvia for tearing down Ukrainian flag

Authorities in  Latvia's Daugavpils have detained a 23-year-old man accused of tearing down and damaging a Ukrainian national flag, in an incident now under criminal investigation.

The incident took place on the morning of March 17. An employee of a local business discovered that a Ukrainian flag, displayed alongside the Latvian national flag, had been removed and torn. The matter was promptly reported to law enforcement, Caliber.Az reports per Latvian media. 

Following an investigation, police identified a suspect and detained a man born in 2003 on April 23. He has been placed in temporary detention.

The South Latgale Police Department has opened a criminal case under Part 1 of Article 78 of the Criminal Code of Latvia, which pertains to actions aimed at inciting national, ethnic, racial, or religious hatred or hostility.

If convicted, the suspect could face up to three years in prison. The law also envisions alternative penalties, including a fine, community service, or probation.

Authorities have not released further details about the suspect or a possible motive.

By Sabina Mammadli