Latvia’s State Security Service (VDD) has commenced a criminal procedure against a Latvian citizen over suspicions of this person illegally participating in the Russian-Ukrainian war.
The criminal procedure was commenced in accordance with the section of the Criminal Law on active participation in an armed conflict taking place outside of Latvia’s territory and aimed against other countries’ territorial integrity, political independence or is otherwise in breach of Latvia’s binding international rights.
VDD found multiple videos on the internet, showing a person dressed in military uniform bearing symbols resembling Russian armed forces, expressing support of Russia and voicing hateful attitude towards Ukraine’s protectors, Latvians included.
VDD uncovered information that this person may be in Russian-occupied Donetsk region in Ukraine. This person is believed to be taking part in the war on the side of Russian armed forces. The investigation continues. VDD will report additional information about the investigation as it progresses.
VDD does not comment the particular case it investigates. However, in December 2022 the service confirmed looking into a video posted on social networks, depicting a «citizen of Donetsk People’s Republic» inviting Latvia’s Minister of Defence in both Latvian and Russian language to not send troops to Donbas. As of the 14th of December 2022 Ināra Mūrniece is Latvia’s Minister of Defence. Artis Pabriks was Latvia’s previous minister of defence.
The man in the video is dressed in military uniform and holding a firearm. The uniform bears the letter Z, which is used by Russian armed forces in Ukraine.
The uniform also bears a badge of the flag of the Chechen Republic, which is part of the Russian Federation.
In the 45 seconds long video, the man says he wants to pass an invitation to Latvia’s minister of defence so that she «should not send fertilizer to the land of Donbas». He repeated this invitation in Latvian language as well. «Minister of Defence, don’t send troops from Ukraine’s side here. They already die here every day».
The man also said he is no longer a citizen of Latvia and that his Latvian passport is «in the appropriate place». He concluded the video with praise of Russia and Chechen military’s favourite slogan «Akhmat sila*»
*«Akhmat [Kadirov, the father of the current head of Chechnya assassinated in 2004] – strength».
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