The Times of the Barricades in 1991

 

Dome square at the times of the barricades

20 years have passed since the centre of Riga was surrounded by barricades. They were made from any possible obstacles, blocks, tractors and woodcuts.  The purpose of them was to protect Riga from Soviet repression on fight for Latvian independence. It was the critical period for Latvia. Since 4, May 1990, Latvia had started a path to full independence from Soviet Union.  Soviet officials in Moscow and their supporters in Latvia attempted to cancel Latvian fight for independence, by setting bloody provocations so the direct rule from Moscow would cancel Latvian path to freedom.

The movement for independence started in 1987. when Nationalist organization Helsinki 86 first appeared in public to commemorate the deportations of 14, June 1941. They brought flowers to the monument of Freedom and waved national Latvian flag. They also showed a large poster with slogan “Down with the occupation!”. It was signal for whole Latvia and Moscow that Latvians are willing for freedom from USSR. Although Helsinki- 86 was soon suppressed and their leaders exiled new  national organizations   started to form up. In 1988, Latvian National Independence Movement (LNNK) was formed and demanded the separation from Soviet Union. At the end of the same year Peoples Front of Latvia was formed and became the main force behind national movement.

The demonstration of the enemies of the independence

This all happened because of Soviet policy of perestroika that allowed more political freedom in USSR. However, Soviet leader Michael Gorbachev did not expect the rise of nationalism in the result of his reforms. To counter nationalism Latvian communists mainly Russians formed Interfront a counter force to Peoples Front. On 199o, things begun to turn to nationalist way as in the first truly free elections since 1931, Peoples Front won majority of seats in Supreme Council of Latvian Socialist Soviet Republic. Now Peoples Front started consequent move to make Latvia a sovereign republic once again. Latvian Communist party and Interfront failed to stop their intentions. Peoples front also had representatives in USSR Peoples Congress.

Nationalists succeeded by restoring national Latvian flag as official state symbol. Many other changes was enacted until 4, May 1900 everything was ready to vote for declaration of restoration of Latvian independence. The constitution of 1922, was restored and Latvia now officially was an Republic. From that date an interim period was set until elections of parliament takes place.

Soviet government in Moscow was angry of such move. They had enough military power to completely stop independence movement as they did in Hungary in 1956 and Czechoslovakia in 1968. However, the climate of Soviet government had changed and Soviet leaders feared to use direct action. The eyes of the world watched closely the events in Soviet Union. So in order to stop the separation of Baltic States, Moscow planned to use local supporters in Baltic states so they trigger provocations, that would allow to set presidential government in Baltic states. It would mean full control from Moscow and halt to any separatist activities.

The Soviet supporters in Latvia were members of Soviet army, orthodox communists and Russian population. In 15. May 1900. a large crowd of war school cadets attempted to storm Supreme Council building.  They were pushed back by OMON- the special forces of USSR. Situation begun to chill as more and more military transporters drove through the streets of Riga to warn Latvians of repressions.

Latvian government cancelled to give supplies to local Soviet army. Another threat was local KBG, Soviet prosecution and OMON. Latvians failed to take over them and in the result they were two Interior Ministries in Latvia- Latvian and the Soviet one. OMON refused to subdue to Latvian government and listened only to Soviet ministry. In the result OMON started numerous provocations and sabotages with use of firearms against Latvian government. They raised down Latvian border stations and stormed the Press Building .

Latvian communist party took organizational steps to attempt to overthrow Latvian national government. The enemies of independence united in USSR and Latvian SSR constitution and citizen protection comity. Communist party was led by Alfēdrs Rubiks. At the end of 1900. communist party changed the above named committee  in to All Latvia society rescue committee (VSGK). Its goal was seize back the power for communists. They hoped for direct presidential rule from Moscow.  In January 1991, Communists with armed force seized the Press Building to monopolize press for their interests.

Peoples Front aware of the danger in 11, December 1900, issued a statement to all supporters of independence to be ready for “X- Hour” the time when direct rule from Moscow will be issued. People must resist the direct rule with any means possible.

Barricades in Riga, January 1991

In the night of 12.-13, January in Vilnius, Lithuania Soviet army attacked the main television tower. It was a first attempt to seize power back from nationalists. However, the stiff resistance from Lithuanians ended in bloodbath and resulted 14 deaths. Soviet attack failed to reach their goal.  In response of this Latvian Communist leader Alfrēds Rubiks called for armed uprising against Latvian government.

But Latvian government and the people acted quickly as well. Fearing an attack from Soviet tanks, barricades were built all around Old City. All governmental buildings were blockaded. Thousands of people gathered to protect national government. Such unity with people and the government was never seen before. Soviet tanks would have no problem to crush the barricades but such action would result even bigger bloodbath than in Vilnius. Despite United States and Western world was busy with the Gulf war Riga was filled with western journalists and the world media watched the events in Latvia closely.

VSGK in 15, January issued a takeover of the Latvian institutions. To do this they used OMON to do attacks that will provoke a direct rule from Moscow.

At the night from 14, to 15, January OMON attacked the office of Supreme militia school of Minska, beat up the cadets and stole ammunition. Between 14, to 16, January OMON attacked the bridge guards. They beat then up, burned the cars. At the bridge of Vecmīlgrāvis OMON killed a car driver Roberts Mūrnieks.

In 20, January final attempt by VSGK was done. On 21: 06 OMON approached the ministry of Interior and opened fire. They hoped for stiff resistance.  However, the ministry building was taken by ease. One ministry officer was shot dead.  The only serious response was from militiaman who opened fire.  This resulted wild shooting in the parks that caused deaths of two camera man Gunārs Zvaigzne and Andris Slapiņs. Both camera man filmed their own deaths as bullets hit them. Two militia officers died and schoolmate E. Riekstinš was shot dead. OMON suffered no damage. However, there is a video that shows how OMON car takes  away a death body in fast speed. There is a theory of so called “third force” that also took part in shootings. They were man wearing camouflage and masks and took part in the shootings.

Bloody shootings strengthened the condemnations for the enemies of independence. International community condemned the attacks. The attempts for direct rule ended in failure as the Gorbachev opposition in Moscow halted this.

Soon after this much of the barricades were removed. The times barricades were legendary as the sign of never seen before unity of Latvian people.   People from all ages spend cold nights in the Old City to protect their leaders.  People were ready to face tanks with empty hands. They however, had prepared for military activity. Some had hunting rifles and WWII weapons ready for just in case situations. Soviet government was unable to face such crowd with tanks that will result in bloodbath larger than in Vilnius. This was a clear sing that Latvians have the courage to fight for their freedom at the most important time.

The enemies of independence rise up once again in August when coup attempt in Moscow tried to save Soviet Union from her collapse. This time there were no barricades to protect national government. Soviet armed vehicles approached the Supreme Council, but were forced to fall back as the coup in Moscow failed.

The years of struggle for independence were harsh and unstable. But the will of Latvian people was the main force that helped to regain the Latvian independence.

The commemoration badge for defenders of the barricades