As preparations in Riga approach their final phase, the security regime of the event, which was planned months ago, is already being implemented.
The surroundings of the Eurovision Song Contest's venue in Riga, Skonto Olympic Complex, was already sealed for unauthorized persons on May 5th. Special equipment, which include 40 video cameras, is now being installed in the complex, in order to monitor and check the persons who enter and leave the complex, including their belongings.
“We cannot anticipate everything, but we have done all that we can to prepare for any provocations or crimes”, says Visvaldis Puķītis, the event's police unit commander. Security will also be tighten in other locations where Eurovision events will take place, and the Latvians intend of using additional security personnel, from other parts of the country for that purpose.
As the streets surrounding the venue have been partially closed, and will be even more as the contest is getting closer, the inhabitants of the Skonto area will be able to reach their homes or work places only by entering the restricted area with personal identifications. Organizers hope that drivers will show their understanding of these inconveniences.
