On 22 March 2022 VDD initiated criminal proceedings to investigate systematic acquittal and glorification of war crimes committed by Russia’s armed forces in Ukraine within a Facebook thematic group. In the same group, VDD also registered activities aimed at triggering hatred against Latvians and Ukrainians.
The criminal proceedings are initiated 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 by using automated data processing system.
Today, on 24 March, within the said criminal proceedings VDD performed court-sanctioned procedural activities at a site in Riga. One person was detained during these activities.
The detainee is the creator and administrator of the said thematic group, whose activities had resulted in granting access to unlimited circuit of persons to content that acquits and glorifies crimes committed by Russia’s armed forces in Ukraine. In addition, the content is aimed at raising negativity against Latvians and Ukrainians. This thematic group has more than 25’000 followers and its content is available to any Facebook user.
The investigation is ongoing and VDD will provide additional information in line with the course of criminal proceedings.
VDD recalls that no person is considered guilty until their guilt is proven in accordance to the law.
Information prepared by VDD
Photo: VDD
