(MENAFN) Latvia’s State Security Service (VDD) has launched a criminal case against Member of Parliament Aleksey Roslikov for speaking Russian during a recent parliamentary session. He is accused of aiding an “aggressor state,” inciting hatred, and promoting social division, the VDD announced on Monday.

Roslikov, a member of the For Stability! party, spoke out last Thursday against a parliamentary declaration that would further restrict the public use of Russian in Latvia. While delivering most of his speech in Latvian, he ended it with a phrase in Russian: “There are more of us, and Russian is our language.” This remark, along with unspecified prior actions, prompted the investigation.

Authorities argue the declaration is part of efforts to reverse the legacy of Soviet-era “Russification,” which they say occurred from 1940 to 1991. Roslikov defended the rights of Russian-speaking Latvians, who make up about 25% of the population, and criticized what he sees as their increasing marginalization.

Under recent parliamentary rules passed in May, lawmakers must now speak only in Latvian during sessions. Roslikov’s use of Russian provoked backlash, resulting in his expulsion from the session by a vote of 63 out of 100 MPs.

He now faces a potential prison sentence of up to five years if convicted. Roslikov described the charges as “bewildering,” claiming he is defending citizens against an unjust law and pledging to continue his advocacy.

Since the start of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Latvia has taken a hardline stance against Russian influence, imposing travel bans, restricting Russian-registered vehicles, and requiring Russian-origin residents to pass a Latvian language test. Hundreds have been deported for non-compliance. Moscow has condemned these policies as discriminatory.

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