State Language Centre, police to look into remarks made by MP Roslikovs

RIGA - The State Language Centre (VVC) will start an administrative offence procedure for statements made by MP Aleksejs Roslikovs (Stability) from the rostrum of the Saeima, the centre's director Inese Muhka informed LETA.

The VVC categorically condemns Roslikovs' remarks, stressing that he has shown blatant disrespect for the Latvian language as the only state language and made disparaging remarks about its role in Latvian society. They threaten the society integration and respect for the fundamental values of the state, which is unacceptable, especially in the current geopolitical climate, the Ccntre said.

Muhka stresses that the MP's actions are politically and morally unacceptable, as well as constituting a deliberate attack against the Latvian language, which is enshrined in the Constitution as the foundation of the state. She stresses that the Latvian language is not just a legal concept, but the basis of a country's identity and sovereignty. Such actions, in her opinion, contribute to the division and insecurity of society, which is why the case should be investigated and punished "with the utmost severity that the law allows".

Meanwhile, LETA learned from the State Police that the police will look into applications filed by several lawmakers on Roslikovs' moves.

As reported, Roslikovs was expelled from the Saeima chamber on Thursday by the majority of parliamentarians.

Roslikovs in a raised tone used Russian language from the rostrum of the Saeima while debating on he draft decision "Declaration on the criminal Russification of Latvia by the Soviet occupation regime and the prevention of its linguistic consequences".

The Saeima recently adopted amendments to the Saeima's Rules of Procedure in the final reading, which, among other things, strengthen the obligation of Members of the Saeima to use the state language in their communication.