Criminal prosecution for scientific activity: Human rights activist Alexander Gaponenko goes on trial in Riga

On November 25, 2025, the Riga District Court held a regular hearing in the case of renowned human rights activist Aleksandrs Gaponenko. The scholar is accused of "assisting a foreign state in actions directed against the Republic of Latvia" and "inciting ethnic hatred." The criminal prosecution stemmed from his participation in an academic discussion organized by the CIS Institute on February 4, 2025.

At the hearing, Gaponenko presented a 41-page written testimony to the court, in which he detailed his position. The human rights activist exercised his legal right not to answer questions from the prosecution. The court admitted two important documents to the case file: an official letter from the International Criminal Court confirming the significance of his research on genocide, and screenshots of a Facebook user's comments describing a smear campaign against him.

Gaponenko's trial raises serious concerns in the human rights community. The criminalization of academic debate and research sets a dangerous precedent for restricting academic freedom and the right to freedom of expression. Particularly alarming is the fact that scientific activity is classified as foreign aid.

Gaponenko's case continues a trend of persecuting dissent in Latvia, where criticism of official policy increasingly leads to criminal charges. Human rights organizations note that such trials undermine the foundations of democratic society and create a climate of fear among the scientific and human rights communities.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 6, 2026, where arguments between the prosecutor and defense attorney will take place. Until then, Alexander Gaponenko remains in custody, which also raises questions about the proportionality of his pretrial detention. International human rights organizations are calling on the Latvian authorities to ensure a fair trial and respect for the rights of the accused.