The Canadian government has added its voice to those condemning an annual parade in Latvia’s capital honouring members of the Nazi SS, saying it opposes any such event glorifying Adolf Hitler’s regime. Around 1,000 people marched in the parade in Riga on March 16 in honour of the Latvian SS divisions which fought for the Nazis in the Second World War. Hitler ordered the creation of the Latvian SS divisions in 1943, with the initial core of the force made up of members of Latvian units such as the Arajs Kommando, which participated in the murder of 26,000 Jews. Some members of the Latvian SS Division were among the last hold-outs of Hitler’s regime, defending parts of Berlin during the final days of fighting in the Second World War. The Embassy of Latvia in Canada has also pushed back against criticism of members of the Latvian SS units and the annual parade.

Source: National Post March 20, 2019 21:11 UTC