Introduction
Latvia tightens border controls, EU announces member states can suspend asylum in response to “weaponised” migration
On 18th March, Latvia announced that it would once again tighten border controls with Russia and Belarus, restricting access at three key checkpoints (Paternieki, Terehova and Grebneva) to motor vehicles only. The government cited security concerns over “hybrid threats and migration crises connected to the actions of Russia and Belarus”, which it accuses of using migration to destabilise EU states. The move followed reports of “organised groups” of migrants gathering near the Belarusian border and fears of further illegal crossings. Latvia has already fenced its border with Belarus and plans to extend similar measures to its border with Russia, with Frontex officers supporting national patrols since February.
These steps in Latvia reflect a further regional and EU trend towards securitising migration. In December 2024, the EU allocated an additional €170 million to Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Norway for new surveillance technology, mobile detection equipment and counter-drone systems. Alongside this, the European Commission announced that member states would be able to temporarily suspend access to asylum “in exceptional circumstances”, citing security threats posed by the “weaponisation” of migration.
Rights watchdogs have warned of a sharp increase in pushbacks at the EU’s external borders in recent years, describing a “systematic failure” to uphold migrants’ fundamental rights. Pushbacks, referring to the summary expulsion of people without individual assessment or access to asylum procedures, are prohibited under both EU and international law. When asked by Euractiv whether the EU’s new measures, which allow states to suspend access to asylum, amounted to a form of pushback, EU security chief Henna Virkkunen replied that “all measures must be taken according to EU law”.
Further measures targeting Russian and Belarusian influence
On 20th June 2025, the Latvian parliament passed a law banning Russian and Belarusian citizens, as well as companies at least 25 percent owned by them, from purchasing property in Latvia, with exceptions for EU or Latvian permanent residents, Belarusian refugees and repatriates. These steps follow similar restrictions in neighbouring Finland and Lithuania, as well as measures requiring Russian and Belarusian nationals to obtain security authorisation to work on critical infrastructure.
The move is part of a broader national security effort spurred by fears of Russian aggression following the invasion of Ukraine. According to Politico, countries on the EU’s eastern border argue that the presence of nationals from adversarial countries poses a risk to their security, and have steadily tightened restrictions on Russian citizens. Also in June, Latvia joined six other Nordic and Baltic states in proposing a Schengen-wide ban on Russian soldiers who have fought in Ukraine.
Freedom of association
In June 2025, the European Civic Forum published its 2025 Civic Space Report for Latvia, highlighting an overall positive environment for civil society while noting persistent challenges. Civic space in Latvia is generally rated “open” by the CIVICUS Monitor, indicating an environment where fundamental freedoms are largely respected, even though gaps in implementation remain.
Positive developments in 2024 included improvements to the Saeima’s Declaration on Civil Society, recognition of civil dialogue in government plans, and the approval of targeted programmes for civic engagement. However, the report notes that declining access to funding and rising operational costs are straining civil society organisations (CSOs), and local governments inconsistently implement participatory mechanisms. Progress on transparency in interest representation has been slow: although the Law on Transparency of Interest Representation came into force in 2023, necessary regulations were not adopted, and by the end of 2024 no institution had been designated to oversee its implementation.
Despite the generally open civic space, civil society actors, particularly those working on politically sensitive issues, report facing threats, cyberattacks, and harassment, with law enforcement often slow to respond. Government commitments to support human rights defenders and fund civic initiatives exist, but implementation is inconsistent, and legal protections remain inadequate. Funding shortages have also forced some regional and local media to suspend activities, weakening independent journalism and limiting efforts to counter disinformation. According to the report, these challenges highlight the need for stronger institutional safeguards, effective enforcement, and a more secure environment for civil society and independent media.
The report recommends recognising and implementing structured civil dialogue as equal to social dialogue by the end of 2025 and urgently appointing civil society advisers to facilitate dialogue with CSOs and develop joint action plans for policymaking. It calls for improvements to the legal framework governing civil dialogue, ensuring participatory mechanisms are legally binding, and for the development of measures to combat misinformation and strengthen regional independent media. The report also urges increased financial support for civil society, including new programmes for volunteering and public interest activities and additional funding for existing programmes, particularly the NGO Fund. Finally, it recommends immediate reform of conflict of interest management procedures to reduce administrative burdens while maintaining transparency.
Activist expelled from the country due to “left wing ideas”
On 20th May 2025, Latvian human rights activist Vladislavs Romanenko, a long-time member of the community centre Maiznīca (Bakery), received a decision from the Ministry of Internal Affairs ordering his indefinite expulsion from the country. The ministry cited “left-wing extremism” and insufficient ties to Latvia, though the details remain classified as a state secret.
Romanenko, a Russian citizen who had lived in Latvia for almost eight years, had recently begun the process of renouncing his Russian citizenship. His supporters argue that he poses no threat to national security and that his expulsion is politically motivated, aimed at silencing left-wing voices. They warn that such measures represent a criminalisation of activism, pointing out that Romanenko has openly worked, acquired property, and participated in social life in Latvia.
The State Security Service (SGB) later confirmed that Romanenko had been blacklisted for “disseminating communist ideas, unconstitutional activities, connections with foreign extremist organisations, and posing a threat to national security and public order.” The move reportedly came after an SGB informant had attended a discussion at Maiznīca and passed Romanenko’s presentation on political philosophy to the authorities.
Romanenko has appealed the decision, with a hearing held at the Administrative Regional Court on 8th July. In the run-up to the hearing, members of the Maiznīca collective called for a public mobilisation, and condemned the expulsion as an attack on freedom of speech and democratic values. On the same day, a demonstration was held in front of the Supreme Court in Riga under the slogan “For the freedom of activists”.
Prosecution of HRDs helping refugees
As the CIVICUS Monitor previously reported, Latvian authorities are pursuing criminal charges against human rights defenders Ieva Raubiško and Egils Grasmanis, members of the refugee rights organisation I Want to Help Refugees, in relation to their advocacy and assistance to refugees at the border with Belarus.
Raubiško was charged with “organising the intentional illegal crossing of the state border for a group of persons” after helping five Syrian asylum seekers on whose behalf she had obtained an interim measure from the European Court of Human Rights. The court order obliged Latvia not to deport the group and to provide basic humanitarian assistance, including food, water, medical care, and temporary accommodation.
Raubiško and Grasmanis were detained and interrogated by officials at the Belarus–Latvian border when they went to check whether the authorities were complying with the ruling. The charges against Grasmanis were later dropped, but Raubiško continues to be prosecuted. The eighth hearing of her case is scheduled for 19th August 2025 at the Latgale District Court in Rēzekne, after repeated delays have already postponed a final verdict three times.
Freedom of peaceful assembly
“Latvia First!” party protests local election results despite winning the most seats
On 15th June, the “Latvia First!” (LPV) party held a rally by the Freedom Monument in central Riga to protest the results of the recent local elections, which they claimed were unfair despite the party winning the most seats. Several hundred supporters gathered to hear party leader Ainars Šlesers denounce the election process, demand the resignation of the government, and announce further protests if the demands were not met. The protesters demanded the cancellation of the election results or a recount of the votes, amid tensions over the exclusion of the LPV from the governing coalition. The rally, which lasted around forty minutes, also saw a minor incident when a man disrupted the event by riding a tricycle near the memorial while playing loud comedic music.
A veteran politician once regarded as one of Latvia’s most influential oligarchs, Šlesers has returned to prominence with a populist campaign promising to revitalise Riga’s economy and transform the city into a “Dubai of the North.” His proposals include major urban development projects, the revitalisation of tourism, and the completion of delayed infrastructure works, positioning himself as an alternative to what he calls the ineffective rule of the current coalition. However, critics highlight his controversial links to China and Russia, and his tendency to use polarising populist tactics reminiscent of Donald Trump. They also question the viability of his promises on urban development, and warn that his anti-EU and anti-Western rhetoric could strain international relations.
Ukraine solidarity rally marks third anniversary of full-scale Russian invasion
On 24th February, a Ukraine solidarity rally titled “Together until Victory!” was held at the Freedom Monument in Rīga to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and other public figures took part in the event, which was broadcast live by Latvian public broadcaster LSM. The event programme included a moment of silence and the opportunity to make donations and take part in a postcard workshop. Participants displayed Ukrainian and Latvian flags and laid flowers and candles at the Freedom Monument and the Ukrainian embassy. Later in the day, a benefit concert entitled From the Heart to Ukraine, took place at the Latvian National Library.
Protest against trade with Russia and Belarus
On 26th March 2025, a protest under the slogan “Let’s Stop Feeding the Bear” was held in the town of Zilupe near the border with Russia, calling to completely sever economic ties with Russia and Belarus to stop military aggression in Ukraine and strengthen Latvia’s national security. Several dozen participants called for the complete closure of the borders with the two countries, and the introduction of harsher penalties for those who support Russian aggression online or in person. They also called for Latvia to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty on anti-personnel mines and establish a defensive line against Russia along with other states on the EU’s eastern border.
The organisers and supporters, including local entrepreneurs and cultural figures, emphasised the need for social unity, humanitarian responsibility, and investment in border communities, describing their demands as both a moral imperative and necessary for the defence of Latvian sovereignty in the face of the threat of Russian aggression. The action symbolically coincided with the commemoration of the 1949 Soviet mass deportations, reinforcing historical grievances against Russia as the successor to the Soviet Union.
Protest against the use of Russian in public media
On 22nd January 2025, around 20 people held a picket in Dome Square, Riga, organised by the association Austošā saule (The Rising Sun), to demand an end to the use of Russian in public media and to oppose the employment of Russian citizens in these outlets. Participants carried posters with slogans such as “One country, one language” and “Barricades against Russification,” stressing that, under the Constitution, Latvian should be the sole language of communication in the country. The protest was led by former right-wing populist National Alliance party Secretary General Raivis Zeltīts, who has announced plans to form a new political party.
Protest against EU funding for Israel
On 25th January, around 50 people marched in Riga to demand the suspension of the European Union–Israel Association Agreement, which, as the organisers highlighted, provides Israel with billions of euros in EU funding every year. Starting in Vērmanes Garden and ending at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participants carried Palestinian flags and posters, distributed leaflets, and chanted slogans such as “Free, free, Palestine!” and “Europe finances, Israel bombs.” The demonstration, which was monitored by around ten police officers, included speeches emphasising opposition to the EU's financial support for Israel in the face of the ongoing destruction in Gaza.
Climate activists mark global day of action in Riga
On 11th April, around 20 people joined a Fridays for Future climate strike in front of the Cabinet of Ministers in Riga, as part of a global day of action held across Europe and beyond. The demonstrators carried placards calling for an end to the extraction of fossil fuels and deforestation, and the introduction of stronger climate protection measures. Organisers stressed that climate and environmental protection must be treated as a security priority, with representative Aleksis Ratenieks warning that climate change affects agriculture, resources, and stability.
Singing protest for LGBTQI+ rights
On 4th April, several dozen people staged a singing protest outside the Saeima in Riga to demand stronger protection of transgender rights in Latvia. Organised by the Riga Queer Choir, youth group HARP, and Safe Space as part of the EU-funded project Harmony for Equality, the demonstrators sang Latvian songs and displayed rainbow flags, calling for an end to discrimination, easier legal gender and name changes, and improved healthcare and social integration for transgender people. Choir leader Jurgis Kalniņš highlighted the stagnation of LGBTQI+ rights in Latvia, announcing plans to survey at least 1,000 queer Latvians to identify priority issues for policymakers, with results to be shared with politicians, state security, and human rights institutions.
The survey, carried out between March and May 2025 by the mentioned organisations working alongside interdisciplinary researchers, is the largest of its kind in Latvia to date, collecting responses from 1,184 LGBTQI+ individuals. Published in July, the report identifies key priorities for legal protection, including combating hate speech, advancing marriage equality and adoption rights, and securing transgender self-determination. Its findings revealed widespread underrepresentation and fear of discrimination: 84% of respondents feel poorly represented at the national level, while over a third avoid being open about their identity due to concerns about attacks or social exclusion. Participants reported feeling safest being open among friends, at home, and with close relatives, but unsafe in public spaces, workplaces, and public institutions.
Pride parade in Riga draws thousands
On 28th June, the Pride parade in Riga, organised by the LGBTQI+ association Mozaīka, drew several thousand participants who marched to celebrate LGBTQI+ rights and speak out against prejudice. Participants of all ages carried rainbow flags and placards, chanted slogans in favour of equality, and enjoyed performances by the Riga Queer Choir. The event was accompanied by a strong police presence, security checks, and temporary park closures, but passed off without any major incidents. Among those present were Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce, the newly elected mayor of Riga, Viesturs Kleinbergs, as well as representatives of student and women’s rights organisations.
According to media reports, a small group of counter-demonstrators displayed anti-LGBTQI+ posters but did not disrupt the march.
Freedom of expression
RFE/RL cuts threaten exiled journalists
Exiled Russian journalists face losing their legal status abroad after the US administration’s March 2025 decision to cut funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), a broadcaster founded during the Cold War and aimed at audiences in Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East.
With operations largely based in Prague, Riga, and Vilnius, many reporters’ visas are tied to their employment, meaning a shutdown could leave them stranded and at risk of deportation to Russia, where they could face arrest and prosecution. RFE/RL suspended work inside Russia in 2022 following escalating state pressure and was later labelled an “undesirable organisation”, while its online reach has grown significantly since the invasion of Ukraine, drawing tens of millions of monthly views.
Latvia has become a key hub for Russian journalists in exile, issuing just over 6,000 visas for Russian citizens since February 2022, including 500 for journalists and their family members, according to Latvian public broadcaster LSM. Among the best-known Russian media outlets that have relocated to Latvia following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine are Meduza and the former Moscow bureau of RFE/RL. Another major channel, TV Rain, has been a source of controversy, as described below.
Meanwhile, RFE/RL has continued to challenge the funding cuts in court. On 29th April, a district judge granted a temporary restraining order ordering the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to disburse congressionally appropriated funds to the broadcaster, including $12 million for April. A three-judge appellate panel stayed the order on 7th May, but hours later the 11-judge court issued an administrative stay of the panel’s decision, temporarily securing RFE/RL’s funding while the case is under review. The decision does not resolve the case, and USAGM can still appeal to the Supreme Court. Also in May, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that the bloc had agreed to a €5.5 million contract to “support the vital work of Radio Free Europe” with emergency funds amid the cuts.
Court overturns decision to shut down TV Rain
In July 2025, a Latvian court overturned the National Electronic Mass Media Council’s (NEPLP) decision to revoke the broadcasting licence of the independent Russian-language channel TV Rain, though NEPLP chairman Ivars Āboliņš has vowed to appeal and insisted the channel will not return to Latvia. The channel’s broadcasting licence was withdrawn in December 2022 after a series of incidents, including a broadcast in which journalist Alexey Korostelyov appeared to suggest the channel had “helped” Russian soldiers during mobilisation, a remark he later said was taken out of context. A lower court had previously upheld NEPLP’s decision before it was reversed on appeal.
Journalists concerned by interference from anti-corruption body
On 14th and 15th May 2025, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) sent letters to news agency LETA and the Baltic Centre for Investigative Journalism Re:Baltica requesting detailed information about their election-related coverage ahead of Latvia’s 7th June local elections.
Referring to the Agitation Law, which grants it powers to request information, documents and other materials without regard to confidentiality, KNAB asked LETA to explain its selection criteria for interviewing candidates, who arranged the interviews, and whether any payment was involved. Re:Baltica, which had published analyses focusing on Riga, Rēzekne and Daugavpils, was asked to justify the selection of cities and topics, explain the editorial decision-making process, state who funds and coordinates the company's work, and indicate whether it plans to expand its coverage to other places. KNAB also asked to be notified and given a timeline should Re:Baltica expand its coverage.
The Latvian Journalists' Association (LŽA) expressed its concern at the interference in the editorial content of media outlets by a state agency, noting that it puts into question “[...] KNAB's understanding of the work of independent media and the principles of editorial freedom and independence.” As reported by public broadcaster LSM, KNAB said it has received complaints about possible risks of hidden agitation and denied any attempt to “evaluate content” or “the expression of criticism”.
The LŽA asked KNAB to provide an explanation, including the origin of the KNAB investigation and whether other media organisations could be targeted.
Tensions persist over the use of Russian language
The use of Russian in public spaces continues to be a source of tension in Latvian society. The measures introduced since 2022 and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine to mandate the use of Latvian as the only spoken language have been criticised for their impact on minorities and their potential to be exploited by the Russian government for propaganda purposes. Furthermore, some of them have been categorised by international observers as violations of human and minority rights. As previously reported by the CIVICUS Monitor, watchdogs including the Council of Europe and UN experts have expressed concerns about policies including prohibiting public media from broadcasting in Russian and mandating Latvian as the language of instruction in schools and pre-schools. These measures effectively eliminate education in Russian for Latvia’s sizeable Russian-speaking minority, as well as for other minority communities.
Riga Russian Theatre faces advertising ban
In January, Le Monde reported that the Riga Russian Theatre faces a city council ban on advertising its shows in Russian, the language of Latvia’s largest minority, even though it continues to receive funding from the culture ministry. The restriction covers posters, programmes, and other public promotions, though advertising in Latvian remains permitted.
Theatre director Dana Bjork and her staff, who condemn Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and stress that the institution is “a Russian theatre, not a theatre of Russia”, argue that the ban is politically motivated and risks marginalising Russian culture. The theatre has petitioned an administrative court to overturn the decision.
Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre is the oldest professional theatre in Latvia and the oldest Russian professional theatre outside Russia.
MP investigated, arrested over Russian outburst in Parliament
On 5th June, MP Aleksejs Rosļikovs of the pro-Russian populist “For Stability!” (Stabilitātei!) party was expelled from a Saeima session after speaking Russian and causing a disturbance. The incident occurred while the Saeima was considering a draft resolution titled “Declaration on the criminal Russification of Latvia by the Soviet occupation regime and the prevention of its linguistic consequences.” Rosļikovs took the rostrum to oppose the inclusion of the draft on the agenda and ended his speech by shouting in Russian, “There are more of us, our language is Russian!”, contravening the rule that all debates in the Saeima must be conducted in Latvian.
The statements triggered an immediate administrative and criminal investigation. The State Language Centre (VVC), a state institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice, announced it would initiate an administrative offence procedure against Rosļikovs, condemning his statements as showing “blatant disrespect” for the Latvian language, threatening social integration and respect for fundamental state values.
The controversy spilled into the public sphere on 7th June, during an international friendly football match between Latvia and Azerbaijan, when fans staged a symbolic protest by hoisting a hanging effigy of Rosļikovs in the home supporters’ section. The doll, which was dressed in a T-shirt with a vulgar epithet written on it denouncing the MP for his pro-Russian stance, was briefly confiscated by stadium security staff but later returned to the fans, who carried it to the headquarters of Rosļikov’s party and hung it on a street sign.
Further legal action followed quickly. On 9th June, the State Security Service (VDD) announced it had opened criminal proceedings against Rosļikovs, investigating him for allegedly assisting Russia in actions against Latvia, a crime carrying a potential sentence of 20 years in prison, and inciting national hatred. According to the agency, the proceedings are based on his statements during the 5th June Saeima session, as well as unspecified other recent activities. The VDD noted that it had previously held preventive talks with Rosļikovs in early February, warning him about the criminal liability associated with incitement to national hatred and other offences.
On 16th June, Rosļikovs was arrested, and authorities searched his home and questioned him in connection with the criminal investigation into ethnic hatred and alleged cooperation with Russia. He was subsequently released on his own recognizance, pending further legal proceedings.
Teacher resigns amid public pressure over videos “disparaging” Latvian
In July, Riga kindergarten teacher Olga Sokolova resigned following public pressure instigated over TikTok videos in which she was deemed to be disparaging the Latvian language, announced Riga City Council Deputy Chairman Vilnis Ķirsis from the Unity (Vienotība) party. In the videos, Sokolova sarcastically questioned why locals in Italy understood her when she spoke Russian but not Latvian, and expressed frustration that children were required to speak Latvian during breaks. The Riga municipality and the Ministry of Education and Science condemned her remarks, stating that teachers are expected to uphold professional ethics and a “state-loyal” attitude, including in public fora outside of work. The kindergarten confirmed that Sokolova had performed her duties responsibly, was fluent in Latvian, and had prepared her students for school in the state language.