During the Russian presidential elections later this weekend, Latvian State Police and State Border Guard will be performing a “screening” of the people coming to the Russian embassy in Riga to verify if they have the right to stay in Latvia, as TV3 programme 900 seconds was told by Chief of State Police Armands Ruks.
He invited Russian citizens in Latvia who want to participate in the upcoming Russian presidential elections to expect possible street checks. “The entrance to the embassy will be controlled. Checkpoints will be established together with the State Border Guard. People’s residence permits or visas will be checked,” said Ruks.
The chief of police also said that Russian services perform the same checks when Latvian citizens come to vote while in Russia.
He said that this approach to measures during Russian presidential elections will be presented to Lithuanian colleagues, who will then organise their own controlling measures. “This is every country’s own choice, but we will take these steps in our country,” said Ruks.
It is allowed that during these checks of Russian citizens Latvian authorities could uncover serious violations of residence regulations. In this case it will be necessary to put expulsion procedures into practice. To ensure order in accordance with the law, colleagues from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs will participate in screening procedures.
Ruks stressed again that during Russia presidential elections Latvian State Police will remain on high alert and will take measures against any supporters of Russian aggression without mercy.
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Authorities to check Russian citizens’ rights to stay in Latvia during Russian presidential elections
