Latvian State Security Service (VDD) reports having detained a Russian supporter last week. This person’s activity on the internet, according to VDD, was aimed at inciting hatred towards Latvian and Ukrainians, as well as glorifying and justifying Russia’s war in Ukraine.
On the 4th of January VDD «performed court-sanctioned activities at one location; different data storage devices were confiscated as well». According to information from LETA, the name of the detained person is Edgars Bleiders.
Evidence acquired by VDD over a long period of time allows for the conclusion that this person operated intentionally and systematically. VDD found multiple profiles created by this person on TikTok platform. These profiles were regularly updated with new content by the Russian supporter. In videos published on those profiles and live streams this person spread disinformation about the situation in Latvia, voiced hateful comments about Latvians and Ukrainians, as well as glorified Russian armed forces and Russia’s war in Ukraine. VDD has made this person a suspect.
On the 6th of January this person was put under arrest.
At the same time, the option remains for the person to be released on bail for EUR 3 500. The amount needs to be paid within one month.
The content posted by the man on social networks reflects Kremlin’s narrative about the lack of democracy in Latvia. In the videos the man reported in Latvian and Russian languages that there is no freedom in Latvia and that he supports Latvian-Russian cooperation. The man also lamented the demolition of the Soviet Victory Monument in Riga.
After what he witnessed at Victory Park in August 2022, he recorded a video in which he said he now considers Latvia «a neo-Nazi – ultra hateful country». The man was born in Latvia in 1989. According to him. The country has become a neo-Nazi ground and an ally to fascism.
Also read: Lembergs and his anti-NATO position praised by Russian propaganda programme