Prosecution possible for Latvian resident behind online petition to join Russia: Security Police

  • 2015-04-17
  • from wire reports and TBT staff, RIGA

The Security Police have requested that prosecution begin against a Latvian resident who organised an online signature campaign calling for Latvia to join Russia, LETA was informed by the Latvian Security Police.

The Security Police have not revealed the identity of this person, but did confirm that he is not one of the high-profile pro-Russia activists operating in Latvia.

The case has since been forwarded to the Riga Prosecutor's Office.

As reported, the Security Police have detained a Latvian resident for organising an online signature drive on www.avaaz.org, campaigning for Latvia to join the Russian Federation.

The petition was submitted to the U.S.-based www.avaaz.org last March.

A criminal process was later started; the Security Police detained the man on February 25 and carried out searches at five other addresses. The Security Police were able to identify the man despite the fact that he carried out his activities on websites registered outside of Latvia.

Police have also gathered evidence connecting the man to other online activities aimed at undermining Latvia's sovereignty.