State Security Service has opened criminal proceedings against Roslikovs

RIGA - The State Security Service (VDD) on Monday opened criminal proceedings against MP Aleksejs Roslikovs (Stability) on suspicion of providing assistance to the aggressor state Russia in its actions against Latvia and inciting national hatred, the service informed LETA.

The criminal proceedings were initiated after the service assessed Roslikovs' statements at the June 5 Saeima session, as well as other recent activities.

The VDD reminded that the service on several occasions had already held preventive talks with the leader of the Stability party, warning about the criminal liability in case of committing criminal offences.

As reported, the VDD held talks with Roslikovs in early February this year in connection with his public statements against Latvians. At that time, Roslikovs was also warned of the liability in case of incitement to national hatred or other criminal offences.

On June 5, Roslikovs was expelled from the Saeima chamber 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.