This week Latvian State Security Service (VDD) initiated three criminal proceedings in relation to public acquittal and glorification of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, along with activities aimed at triggering hatred against Ukrainian citizens.
One of the criminal proceedings has been initiated according to the characteristics of both mentioned crimes, specifically, for acquittal and glorification of war crimes committed by Russia’s armed forces in Ukraine (Section 741 of the Criminal Law), as well as activities aimed at triggering national and ethnic hatred or enmity, using automated data processing system (Section 78 Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Law). The other criminal proceedings have been instituted for acquittal and glorification of war crimes committed by Russia’s armed forces in Ukraine, whereas the third proceedings – for activities aimed at triggering national and ethnic hatred or enmity, using automated data processing system.
All criminal proceedings have been initiated as VDD reacted to the content published on the Internet that acquits and glorifies Russia’s armed forces invasion of Ukraine or deliberately provokes hostile attitude against Ukrainians as well as Latvians.
Since 24 February when Russia’s armed forces invaded Ukraine, VDD altogether has initiated 14 criminal proceedings in relation to activities that express support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its population. Five criminal proceedings have been initiated pursuant to two sections of the Criminal Law (Sections 741 and 78), i.e., for acquittal and glorification of crimes committed by Russia’s Armed Forces in Ukraine, as well as activities aimed at triggering national and ethnic hatred or enmity. Another five criminal proceedings have been instituted pursuant to Section 78 Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Law and four criminal proceedings pursuant to Section 741 of the Criminal Law.
Within the mentioned 14 criminal proceedings, eight individuals were named suspects and one individual was named a person against whom criminal proceedings have been initiated. Three suspects have been applied a security measure – arrest.
VDD continues to evaluate several other occurrences.
Information was prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo, master1305/Freepik
