(MENAFN) Latvian authorities have detained a 42-year-old technician suspected of enabling over 400 households to access banned Russian television channels, according to local media. The man is accused of creating a system that bypassed content protection measures, allowing multiple users to share single valid access codes to watch Russian channels deemed to spread propaganda. The arrest followed an investigation by the State Police and occurred at the end of May. If found guilty, the suspect faces up to three years in prison, community service, or fines.

Following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the European Commission banned several Russia-linked media outlets across EU member states, citing concerns over propaganda dissemination. Sharing content from these banned outlets is also illegal under EU law.

Latvia, a former Soviet republic, has intensified efforts to curb Russian influence, working closely with neighboring Estonia and Lithuania. The three Baltic countries, strong supporters of Kyiv, have implemented extensive restrictions against Russian nationals, including travel bans and language requirements. Earlier this year, Latvia’s parliament provisionally approved legislation barring Russian citizens from purchasing property in the country.

Russia has condemned these actions, labeling them an information war and accusing the Baltic states of suppressing dissent and discriminating against Russian-speaking minorities. Ethnic Russians make up about 25% of Latvia’s 1.8 million population. Latvia has seen a rise in arrests related to illegal Russian media access; in April 2024, police conducted raids near the borders to block banned broadcasts, and in November, another individual was arrested for enabling access to prohibited content in about 130 homes.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized Latvia for what she called “blatant discrimination” against Russians, describing the policies as openly Russophobic and warning that Latvia could face legal action at the International Court of Justice if such practices continue.

MENAFN17062025000045015687ID1109685105