June 12, 2026

The following is a press release:

On 14 June 2026 at 11.00, in Riga, in remembrance and honour of the victims of political repression during the communist genocide of 14 June 1941, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Latvian Association of the Politically Repressed Persons will hold a commemoration ceremony outside the “History Tactile” Memorial to the Victims of the Soviet Occupation at Latviešu strēlnieku laukums 1.

The event will be attended by senior officials of state and government and members of the foreign diplomatic corps accredited in Latvia.

More than 15,400 people were forcibly displaced during the first mass deportation in Latvia on 14 June 1941. A part of the deportees was arrested on the spot and sent to detention facilities. The others, including 3,741 children under 16, were resettled in Siberia and Kazakhstan.

700 people were executed, and 3,453 lost their lives in detention facilities. 1,940 people died in forced settlements.

The deportation of 14 June 1941 shattered the destinies and lives of thousands of people. It was a crime.

For the attention of the media

Members of the media interested in covering the event are welcome to apply by 14.00 on 12 June via e mail to media@mfa.gov.lv

Media representatives are asked to plan to arrive early – no later than 20 minutes before the event.

Press Contacts:

Communications Group

Phone: (+371) 67016 272

Fax: (+371) 67828 121

Email: media@mfa.gov.lv

Website: www.mfa.gov.lv/en