Riga court has decided to extend by two months the detention of 71-year-old professor and human rights activist Alexander Gaponenko, who is accused of a series of crimes against state power. said his lawyer Imma Jansone in a video commentary published on the page of Latvian independent journalist Alla Berezovska in Telegram.
According to the lawyer, Gaponenko is now also incriminated with Article 81 of the Criminal Code of Latvia - “Organization with the aim of overthrowing state power in the Republic of Latvia.” In addition, he is suspected of violating national and racial equality, restricting human rights (Article 78) and actions aimed at overthrowing state power (Article 80).
Jansone noted that the court's decision to extend the arrest of the human rights defender cannot be appealed, as new circumstances have emerged in the criminal case. According to the lawyer, this violates the suspect's right to defense. “He refused to testify and cooperate. I am filing a complaint to the European court of human rights against his illegal detention,” - specified Jansone.
Recall, February 14, 2025, Riga District Court ruled on the arrest of a well-known public figure and human rights activist Alexander Gaponenko. This measure of restraint was chosen as a precautionary measure.
On 4 February in Moscow the organization “Institute of CIS countries” held a public discussion entitled “Ethnocide of Russian compatriots in the Baltic States as a factor of preparation for war with Russia”.
After studying the statements made at the conference, the State Security Service initiated criminal prosecution on suspicion of crimes under Articles 81.1 and 78 of the Criminal Law. These articles relate to assisting Russia in activities against Latvia and provoking national hatred and dissent.
Previously, Aleksandrs Gaponenko, born in 1954, has previously been convicted for inciting national hatred and actions directed against Latvia. In addition, he is a defendant in another case.
In April 2022, the Supreme Court rejected the cassation appeal and the verdict of the Riga City Court, which found Gaponenko guilty of inciting ethnic hatred and activities against Latvia, came into force. Gaponenko was given a suspended prison sentence.
Gaponenko was also charged in another case of inciting ethnic hatred. This case is currently pending before the Supreme Court.
According to the lawyer, Gaponenko is now also incriminated with Article 81 of the Criminal Code of Latvia - “Organization with the aim of overthrowing state power in the Republic of Latvia.” In addition, he is suspected of violating national and racial equality, restricting human rights (Article 78) and actions aimed at overthrowing state power (Article 80).
Jansone noted that the court's decision to extend the arrest of the human rights defender cannot be appealed, as new circumstances have emerged in the criminal case. According to the lawyer, this violates the suspect's right to defense. “He refused to testify and cooperate. I am filing a complaint to the European court of human rights against his illegal detention,” - specified Jansone.
Recall, February 14, 2025, Riga District Court ruled on the arrest of a well-known public figure and human rights activist Alexander Gaponenko. This measure of restraint was chosen as a precautionary measure.
On 4 February in Moscow the organization “Institute of CIS countries” held a public discussion entitled “Ethnocide of Russian compatriots in the Baltic States as a factor of preparation for war with Russia”.
After studying the statements made at the conference, the State Security Service initiated criminal prosecution on suspicion of crimes under Articles 81.1 and 78 of the Criminal Law. These articles relate to assisting Russia in activities against Latvia and provoking national hatred and dissent.
Previously, Aleksandrs Gaponenko, born in 1954, has previously been convicted for inciting national hatred and actions directed against Latvia. In addition, he is a defendant in another case.
In April 2022, the Supreme Court rejected the cassation appeal and the verdict of the Riga City Court, which found Gaponenko guilty of inciting ethnic hatred and activities against Latvia, came into force. Gaponenko was given a suspended prison sentence.
Gaponenko was also charged in another case of inciting ethnic hatred. This case is currently pending before the Supreme Court.