The trial of Sergei Sidorov, accused of espionage, has begun in Latvia

On April 5, 2024, Riga City Court, presided over by Judge Linda Dizenberga, started hearing the case of Sergejs Sidorovs, accused under Article 85 Part 1 of the Latvian Criminal Code - illegal collection and transfer of information to foreign intelligence, as well as incitement of national and ethnic hatred. If convicted, Sidorov faces up to 10 years in prison, the Baltic portal reported.

Sidorov was not questioned at the hearing, but after the indictment was read he said he partially pleaded guilty to the espionage charge, but denied his guilt of inciting national and ethnic hatred.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 22, where a more detailed consideration of the charges and the position of Sergei Sidorov is expected.

Recall that Sergei Sidorov was arrested on August 15, 2023. According to the State Security Service, he is suspected of passing information about strategically important facilities on the territory of Latvia and collecting data on persons and companies supporting Ukraine and opposing the Russian Federation. On December 18, 2023, the Riga City Court released Sergei Sidorov from custody under police supervision and a ban on leaving the country.

The criminal proceedings against Sidorov have been separated into a separate case of "Baltic Antifascists", where six Latvian citizens are charged with leading a criminal organization and participating in crimes committed by this organization. Among them are Tatjana Andriets, Aleksandrs Zhgun, Stanislavs Bukaines, Sergejs Vasiljevs, Viktorija Matula and Roman Samul.

Three of the mentioned persons are wanted.

In addition, the case of Inga Tukhbatova, a candidate for the 14th Seimas, accused of espionage in favor of Russia by performing specific tasks for the "Antifascists of the Baltic States", was also separated from the general criminal proceedings.