A Rīga City Court judge ordered the detention of Viktors Guščins, an activist associated with Russian compatriot movements, on Thursday, following his arrest by the State Security Service (VDD) on Wednesday.
EU Sanctions Violation Allegations
The VDD accuses Guščins of violating European Union sanctions by collaborating with a Russian propaganda outlet after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The service alleges he provided publications to the outlet containing messages that glorified Russia and discredited Latvia, including interpretations of Latvian history aligned with Russian interests.
The VDD recommended blocking access to the propaganda resource within Latvia, and that recommendation has been implemented.
Violating EU sanctions carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment under Latvian Criminal Law.
Detention and Background
The State Security Service conducted searches at two locations in Jelgava on Wednesday and detained one individual. Latvian Television (LTV) reported, citing unofficial sources, that the detainee was Viktors Guščins, who has been identified as a leader within the Russian compatriot movement and regularly attended related events in Russia.
The VDD has not officially released the name of the detained person.
Guščins has previously run for election to the Saeima, Latvia’s parliament, on the Latvian Russian Union list but was unsuccessful. He has worked as a lecturer and authored publications on history, some of which reportedly contain pro-Kremlin messaging and disparage Latvia.
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