Man publicly praised Russian aggression in Ukraine and threatened violence against Latvian citizens; criminal case initiated

On the night of April 29, 2024, near Aspazijas Boulevard in central Riga, a man born in 1968 was observed by Riga municipal police publicly supporting and justifying Russian aggression in Ukraine. He also threatened the potential invasion of Russian troops into Latvia and threatened violence toward local citizens, while using profane language. The municipal police transferred him to the State Police for investigation. Following this, a criminal case was initiated on April 30, 2024, under Latvian criminal law targeting public glorification or justification of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against peace committed by aggressor states such as Russia. The case was forwarded to the Riga Eastern Prosecutor's Office for prosecution on March 30, 2024. The legislation allows for penalties including imprisonment up to five years, probation, community service, or fines.