The building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia in Moscow. File photoMOSCOW, Aug 24The destruction of the monument to the liberators of Riga and Latvia is unacceptable for a civilized country and leads to further degradation of relations between Moscow and Riga, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. 
The sculpture «Motherland» split during the demolition of the monument to the liberators of Riga «The destruction of the Monument to the soldiers of the Soviet Army — the liberators of Riga and Latvia from the Nazi invaders is unacceptable for a civilized country,» Zakharova is quoted on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry. She recalled that this is being done in spite of Latvia's international obligations and protests from its own citizens. She added that Riga should be aware that the idea of demolishing the monument will not be able to destroy the memory of the feat of the Soviet soldiers-liberators and will only lead to further «degradation of bilateral relations». Ordered to destroy: a monument to the liberators of the city is being demolished in Riga
On the morning of August 23, builders drove up to the monument in Victory Park, demolition began.
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On the morning of August 23, builders drove up to the monument in Victory Park, demolition began.
Police officers were on duty at the monument, preparing for possible protests.
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Police officers were on duty at the monument, preparing for possible protests.
Meanwhile, an excavator was working at the foot of the monument, dismantling the steps.
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Meanwhile, an excavator was working at the foot of the monument, which dismantled the steps.
The territory was fenced off, the monument was surrounded by a fence.
The territory was fenced off, the monument was surrounded by a fence.
The defenders of the monument were forbidden to hold a protest rally.
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Defenders of the monument were banned from holding a protest rally.
Earlier, the mayor of Riga, Mārtiņš Stakis, said that after the demolition, the monument would be destroyed because none of its parts were recognized as having artistic value. >6 out of 10
Earlier, the mayor of Riga, Mārtiņš Stakis, said that after the demolition, the monument would be destroyed, because none of its parts were recognized as artistic value.
The day before, the Latvian police had already dispersed a protest against demolition of the monument, several people were detained.
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The day before, the Latvian police had already broken up a protest against the demolition of the monument, several people were detained.
Star on the monument "To the Liberators of Riga".
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Star at the monument "To the Liberators of Riga".
Foreigners "found in illegal and unauthorized actions during dismantling" were promised to be expelled from the country.
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Foreigners "convicted of illegal and unauthorized actions during the dismantling", were promised to be expelled from the country.
Monument to the Liberators of Riga surrounded by scaffolding.
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Monument to the Liberators of Riga surrounded by scaffolding.
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On the morning of August 23, builders drove up to the monument in Victory Park, demolition began.
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Police officers were on duty at the monument, preparing for possible protests.
3 of 10
Meanwhile, an excavator was working at the foot of the monument, which dismantled the steps.
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The territory was fenced off, the monument was surrounded by a fence.
5 out of 10
The defenders of the monument were forbidden to hold protest rally.
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Earlier, the mayor of Riga, Mārtiņš Stakis, said that after the demolition, the monument would be destroyed, because none of its parts were recognized as artistic value.
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The day before, the Latvian police had already broken up a protest against the demolition of the monument, several people were detained.
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Star on the monument "To the Liberators of Riga".
9 out of 10
Foreigners "convicted of illegal and unauthorized actions during the dismantling" were promised to be expelled from the country.
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Monument surrounded by scaffolding To the liberators of Riga.