Freedom of speech has turned into absolute lawlessness, resulting in the spread of disinformation and hate speech, which is why a swift and effective response against those spreading such content is needed, Prosecutor General Armīns Meisters said in an interview with the LETA news agency.
In his view, the situation regarding hate speech and disinformation on social media and in the broader information space has become alarming because freedom of speech has effectively turned into a state where “everyone can say whatever they want about anyone.”
Meisters argued that such activities ultimately benefit only aggressor states.
“Using the resources of our own fellow citizens, they are getting their dirty work done,” the Prosecutor General said.
According to Meisters, everyone has the right to criticise, express opinions and voice dissatisfaction. However, when this becomes a systematic daily practice without any factual basis or serious examination, it turns into disinformation.
He said the Prosecutor’s Office is working to identify patterns of such activities and take action against specific individuals acting against Latvia’s national interests. These individuals are not being targeted because they express public opinions or represent particular social groups, but because they are engaged in what he described as a “black business” that exploits both press freedom and freedom of expression as a cover, which he considers unacceptable.
The current disinformation narrative, Meisters warned, is confusing society to the point where people no longer know whom to trust or even who governs Latvia. Every decision and every political process is being questioned, effectively helping aggressor states achieve their objectives through Latvia’s own society.
Speaking about possible solutions, the Prosecutor General stressed the need for a rapid and effective response. He argued that such individuals should be detained, isolated from society and prevented from spreading disinformation.
At the same time, he said the issue also depends on the understanding and approach of prosecutors and judges, who in some cases refrain from ordering pre-trial detention or impose non-custodial sentences.
In Meisters’ view, the harshest sanctions already available under Latvian law should be applied against such offenders.
“No legislative amendments are needed. What is needed is the effective and high-quality application of the laws that already exist. It is a matter of understanding, attitude and recognising the seriousness of the problem,” he said.
At the same time, the Prosecutor General stressed that law enforcement authorities have no intention of using their powers to target journalists or people expressing legitimate opinions.
“We are a democratic state governed by the rule of law, and we must respect fundamental rights. But it is obvious when these boundaries are crossed, and this concern is being raised across Europe, not only in Latvia. We must act immediately to ensure that we do not end up destroying our own country from within,” Meisters concluded.
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