In Latvia, special services detained Marat Kasem, editor-in-chief of Sputnik Lithuania on suspicion of violating sanctions and espionage activities. It has been reported Sputnik Near abroad.
It was noted that the hearing was held on January 5th. The court chose detention as a preventive measure, Kasem was already transferred to the Central Prison in Riga.
Lawyer Imma Jansone, who will represent Kasem’s interests, has not yet received the case file. The law provides that the court’s decision can be appealed within ten days.
In the summer of 2022, Latvia’s Saeima decided Penalty for natural and legal persons who rebroadcast the programs of banned TV channels, including Russia, and broadcast the program guides of such channels. In the commentary of the draft law, it is stated that the broadcasting of “wrong” TV programs affects competition in the Latvian market.