At least 10,000 people gathered in protest against Latvia's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention 0 14

People continue to arrive, gathering not only in Dome Square but also on the surrounding streets.

Among those gathered are families with small children as well as elderly people. Members of the Saeima, including those from "New Unity," have also joined the protesters.

The attendees, holding placards, are calling for Latvia not to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention. Some placards feature images of three stars, similar to those on the Freedom Monument.

The gathered individuals are holding flags of Latvia and the European Union, using phone flashlights and other light sources. Elements of traditional costumes are noticeable in the clothing of some participants. Many are dressed in red at the organizers' request.

Law enforcement is monitoring the situation.

Protests against Latvia's withdrawal from the convention are also taking place on Thursday evening in other cities in Latvia and abroad.

Beata Jonite, a representative of the "Marta" center - the organizer of the protest - previously stated that the goal of the event is to express public discontent with the potential withdrawal from the convention and to remind about the importance of upholding human rights.

"We are protesting to prevent our politicians from playing with human rights and the country's reputation on the international stage," Jonite stated, adding that damage has already been done.

The representative of the "Marta" center noted that postponing the Saeima's decision until next year does not resolve the issue but merely delays it. This means that discussions on human rights issues in Latvia will continue for at least another year.

If the deputies of the next Saeima decide to withdraw from the convention, there will still be an opportunity to raise this issue in the Constitutional Court or put it to a referendum, Jonite added. "I find it hard to imagine such a path back. This already demonstrates our country's absolutely inconsistent foreign policy. Withdrawing from international treaties without valid reasons is inconsistent," Jonite noted.

As reported, this autumn the opposition party "Latvia First" submitted a bill to the Saeima for the denunciation of the Istanbul Convention, which was supported not only by other opposition parties - the National Alliance, the "United List," and "For Stability!" - but also by the ruling coalition member Union of Greens and Farmers. The ruling coalition members "New Unity" and "Progressives" did not support the withdrawal from the convention. The law was passed by a majority vote.