On 14 August 2026, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) asked the Prosecution Office to initiate criminal prosecution against a Latvian citizen for long-term and systematic glorification and justification of Russia’s war in Ukraine, triggering hatred against Ukrainians, as well as unlawful storage of a high-powered pneumatic weapon and explosives.
During the investigation, VDD established that, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the person regularly published posts on the social networking website "Facebook" publicly glorifying Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine, including the murder of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians. The person also made regular posts on "Facebook" inciting hatred against Ukrainians by unjustifiably attributing crimes against their own population to soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as by otherwise discrediting Ukrainians. In addition, the individual regularly used their posts to question the legitimacy of the Ukrainian state and its right to exist.
VDD detained the suspect on 22 April 2026. During the search of the suspect’s residence, VDD additionally found a high-powered pneumatic weapon and unexploded World War 1 mortar shells that the person was storing without the relevant permit. Investigation revealed that the mortar shells contain explosives.
VDD incriminates the suspect with the commission of crimes stipulated in Section 741 Paragraph 2, Section 78 Paragraph 2 and Section 233 Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Law, i.e., public glorification and acquittal of war crimes and crimes against peace, acts directed towards triggering national hatred using an automated data processing system, as well as storage of a high-powered pneumatic weapon and explosives without a relevant permit.
Non-custodial security measures have currently been imposed on the suspect, namely, prohibition on departure from the country and notification of the change of the place of residence.
VDD reminds that no person shall be considered guilty until the guilt of such person has been determined in accordance with the procedures laid down in law.
Information prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo: VDD
