Latvian State Security Service (VDD) has carried out an examination of information distributed on social networking sites about statements made by a saleswoman of a store "Postcard" against Latvians and the refusal to serve the customers in Latvian language.
VDD has conducted discussions with the saleswoman as well as other responsible persons, warning about the intended liability in case of committed offences.
In the evening of October 18, information about the case, when a saleswoman of the "Postcard" store refused to serve customers in Latvian language and made hostile statements about the Latvian people, caused a wide resonance on social networking sites. According to the customer’s written statement, the saleswoman spoke in Russian, behaved aggressively and indicated that it was a "Russian store".
In response to this information, VDD immediately started investigating the circumstances of the incident. VDD identified the saleswoman and held preventive talks with her on October 19, warning that criminal liability may be applied for actions aimed at inciting national hatred or discord.
Also, VDD officers conducted discussions with the management of "Postcard" store and the management of the shopping centre where the store is located. The management of "Postcard" and shopping centre assured that internal measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents.
Information prepared by VDD
Photo by VDD
