RIGA, Oct 13 (LETA) - About 30 people gathered in Riga today to protest against the removal of the statue of Russian soldier Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly, LETA observed.

Among those gathered at the foot of the monument are several of the most prominent "defenders" of interests of Russian speakers in Latvia.

The demonstration is peaceful, with those gathered criticizing the decision of the Riga City Council Committee to remove several monuments. "Riga is a city of darkness", said one of the participants in his speech, condemning the decision to remove several monuments in Riga. Those gathered have flowers in their hands.

At the same time, some opposing voices are also at the scene, calling not only for the monument to "go away", but also those who support the existence of such monuments.

As reported, Finance and Administration Committee of the Riga City Council recently decided to dismantle and relocate several monuments, including the de Tolly statue.