Latvia seeks prosecution of citizen over glorifying Russia’s war

Latvia’s State Security Service has asked prosecutors to bring criminal charges against a Latvian citizen accused of systematically glorifying and justifying Russia’s war against Ukraine, inciting hatred toward Ukrainians and illegally possessing a high-powered pneumatic weapon and explosives, LSM reported.

The service said on August 14 that its investigation found the person had regularly published posts on Facebook since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine openly praising Russia’s military aggression, including the killing of prisoners of war and civilians.

The person also allegedly published posts inciting hatred toward Ukrainians by falsely accusing Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers of crimes against their own compatriots and otherwise discrediting Ukrainians. The posts also regularly questioned Ukraine’s legitimacy as a state and its right to exist.

The State Security Service detained the suspect on April 22. During a search of the person’s home, officers found a high-powered pneumatic weapon and unexploded First World War mortar rounds that were being stored without the required authorisation. The investigation established that the mortar rounds contained explosives.

The suspect faces three alleged offences under Latvia’s Criminal Law: publicly glorifying and justifying war crimes and crimes against peace, actions aimed at inciting national hatred using an automated data-processing system, and unauthorised possession of a high-powered pneumatic weapon and explosives.

The person is currently subject to non-custodial security measures, including a travel ban and an obligation to notify authorities of any change of residence.