Latvia PM may be charged for criticizing opposition pro Russia party

Latvian Police have launched an administrative case against Latvia's Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma following her criticizm of pro Russia party Harmony on election day.

"Unity will win. I believe that Harmony Center will fail to keep up, as it is important to maintain security in our country. I have no confidence in Harmony Center and its faith in the independence of Latvia," Straujuma told reporters on the election day, October 4.

The applicable punishment for violating the pre-election campaigning rules for private individuals is a fine up to 70 euros. The charge may rise to 1000 euros for legal entities.

The law stipulates that it is prohibited to spread and publish any propaganda material on the election day and one day before the elections, LETA reports.

Harmony announced already on the election day that it will turn to the authorities, requesting investigation of Straujuma's statement that Harmony poses threat against the independence of Latvia.

The police have also initiated an investigation in connection with information posted on Harmony leader Nils Usakovs' Facebook profile.

(Edited by Rayyan Sabet-Parry)