This week VDD has initiated five criminal proceedings related to public acquittal and glorification of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as well as activities drawn at incitement to hatred against Ukrainian nationals.
VDD has already informed that on 22 March, in reaction to published content on Facebook thematic group, VDD initiated criminal proceedings pursuant to Section 741 and Section 78 Paragraph 2 of Criminal Law, i.e., acquittal and glorification of war crimes and crimes against peace as well as triggering of national and ethnic hatred or enmity against Ukrainians and also Latvians. One person within the respective criminal proceeding who was the creator and administrator of the Facebook thematic group has been applied the status of a suspect and he has been arrested according to applied security measure.
On 23 March, VDD initiated another criminal proceeding pursuant to Section 741 for public acquittal and glorification of war crimes and crimes against peace committed by Russia’s armed forces.
On 24 March, however, VDD initiated already three criminal proceedings. One of them initiated according to Section 741 of Criminal Law for public acquittal and glorification of war crimes and crimes against peace committed by Russia’s armed forces; the other two according to 78 Paragraph 2 of Criminal Law for triggering of national and ethnic hatred or enmity against Ukrainians.
All said criminal proceedings have been initiated related to person’s activities on the Internet – spreading content acquitting and justifying war crimes committed by Russia’s armed forces in Ukraine or intentionally provoking negative attitude against Ukrainians.
In parallel, VDD keeps implementing measures in order to protect Latvia’s information space. It shall be noted particularly that since Russia’s armed forces invasion in Ukraine, VDD has established several hundreds of fake profiles in social network sites used by Latvian residents. They systematically aim at spreading support to Russia’s implemented aggression against Ukraine. A characteristic feature of the fake profiles is their involvement in discussions with other users of social network sites by disseminating war propaganda narratives characteristic to Kremlin and trying to set Latvian residents against Ukraine and war refugees having found their refuge here. In addition, the said profiles spread disinformation with the aim to belittle Latvia and undermine the residents’ trust in their own country. VDD has conducted measures to minimise the detriment of the said fake profiles in the wake of which the vast number of them are currently blocked.
Information prepared by VDD
Photo: VDD
