Dzintar Jaundzeikars asked the municipal authorities in Riga to cancel a pride parade scheduled for July 22 as radical organizations could use the event to stage provocations and spontaneous disorders could erupt across the city due to what he said were negative sentiments in society.
Demonstrations have been held in the capital of Latvia, which is a predominantly Catholic country, since Monday as the municipal authorities had neither permitted nor prohibited the event. Last year's gay parade in Riga was notable because there were more opponents than participants.
This year representatives of radical right- and left-wing forces said they would hold protests during the parade and some said force might be used against those taking in part.
An unsanctioned gay parade in the Russian capital, Moscow, was marred by violent scenes as activists and representatives of far-right organizations clashed.
