KGB files: public after 2018

  • 2014-05-08
  • from wire reports, RIGA

The KGB archives in Latvia will be made accessible to the public after scientific research of the documents concludes on May 31, 2018, according to amendments to the law on preservation of KGB documents and determining the status of former KGB operatives or informers in Latvia.

Karlis Streips discusses issues around release of KGB archives

According to Saeima Legal Affairs Committee's Chairwoman Ilma Cepane (Unity), making the so-called KGB files public could do much indiscriminate harm - it is clear that the system of KGB files was flawed and the simple fact that a person's name was entered into the system cannot serve as a proof of the person's collaboration with the KGB during the soviet rule. That is why the committee has decided that scientific research into the KGB documents is necessary, and once it is complete, the documents will be made public, LETA learned from Saeima Press Service.

The KGB files will be analyzed by a special inter-ministerial commission that will be set up by January 1 next year.

The amendments will come into force on the next day after they are promulgated by the president.