A rally took place in Moscow on Friday, January 6. Marat Kasem, the Editor-in-Chief of Sputnik Lithuania, who is a Latvian citizen living in Moscow, was central to the coverage. A crowd gathered outside the Latvian embassy in the Russian capital, signaling support as reported by the state agency. Dmitry Kiselyov, Director General of the Russia Today media group, spoke to the crowd. The protest was framed as a call for Kasem’s release and for broader freedom of expression, with several banners presenting messages of solidarity.
The publication noted that demonstrators urged the journalist’s freedom and the right to speak openly. Among the slogans displayed were
“Freedom for Marat”, “Marat we are with you!” and questions about the limits of free speech in Latvia. Other banners referenced the state of freedom of expression in Europe and the European Union’s regulatory environment as cited by participants.
In remarks, Kiselyov declared that the gathering aimed to secure Kasem’s release and to declare to all that freedom to Marat Kasem should be upheld.
Kasem has Latvian citizenship and resides in Moscow, working for a media group that includes Sputnik Lithuania. He arrived in Latvia for family reasons on December 30 and was detained in Riga. A court placed him under arrest; he faces accusations of sanction violations and remains held in Riga Central Prison.
“People in masks are bloggers and journalists”
Images from the rally show participants wearing medical masks and hoodies while standing behind Kiselyov and State Duma deputy Maria Butina. Butina explained to media that masks were worn due to cold weather and noted that several colleagues from Sputnik were present, including editors and bloggers who support Kasem.
Butina added that the protest aimed to draw attention to the case and to push Latvian authorities and residents to acknowledge what she described as legal overreach. She emphasized that the action sought public awareness about what supporters view as a prosecution for independent journalism. The mood, she asserted, reflected strong opposition to perceived political pressure on a journalist. Supporters also stated they had engaged a professional attorney to assist Kasem.
According to regional statements, the protest was intended to spotlight alleged legal irregularities and to remind authorities that journalists and bloggers can face consequences for different opinions. The organizers urged observers to consider these concerns and to recognize Kasem as someone who stands alongside Russian colleagues. The group signaled willingness to assist Kasem in any necessary way.
Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry criticized Kasem’s arrest, arguing that it contradicted Latvia’s international commitments on freedom of expression. The Russian Human Rights Ombudsman, Tatyana Moskalkova, appealed to the United Nations on the matter.
Past participation by Kiselyov in public actions in defense of colleagues is noted. In 2018, a Moscow rally near the Ukrainian Embassy supported the editor-in-chief of RIA Novosti Ukraine, Kirill Vyshinsky, who faced treason-related detention in Kiev. Vyshinsky was later released on personal bond after a lengthy period in custody.
“It is almost impossible to control public events”
Police were stationed near the Latvian embassy during the Kasem rally, and no arrests or violations of orders were reported. Video footage showed law enforcement officers maintaining a calm presence behind the protesters.
Butina explained that organizers had coordinated with Moscow authorities to monitor the crowds, while still observing current coronavirus restrictions. Since Kasem’s arrest occurred the day before, attendees had been informed that permits for public events must be filed two weeks in advance of any mass gathering.
During December, Moscow officials discussed restrictions on public mass events as a precaution against the health situation. The mayor indicated a preference to lift restrictions when feasible but acknowledged the need for current limits. He remarked that one man events present particular challenges and that authorities would reevaluate rules as conditions improve.