A hearing on the case of opposition journalist Vladimir Linderman was held in Riga

On May 28, 2025, the Riga City Court held a hearing in the case of opposition journalist V. Linderman. Linderman was charged under Articles 78 (“incitement to hatred”) and 74.1 (“justification of crimes against humanity and war crime”). The prosecutor demanded that Linderman be found guilty and sentenced to 2 years of imprisonment and 2 years of probation.

Linderman does not deny publishing a Facebook post where he called an anti-Russian exhibit a “dump,” but claims he did not incite national hatred. He also denies justifying war crimes, pointing to his right to express an opinion on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Linderman has had several politically motivated criminal cases brought against him in the past. He believes he is being persecuted for criticizing the authorities.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 22, where the defense is scheduled to be heard. A verdict may be handed down in November.