Latvia Strengthens Accountability for Crimes Against the State Amid the War in Ukraine
The prolonged war waged by Russia in Ukraine has a direct negative impact on Latvia's national security, compelling the country's authorities to take appropriate measures. Specifically, on Thursday, December 14, the Latvian Saeima unanimously supported, in the final reading, amendments proposed by the country's president, Egils Levits, to the Criminal Law, aimed at enhancing penalties for crimes against the state, as reported by Delfi.
According to the supported amendments, the minimum penalties for anti-state activities will be increased, alternatives to imprisonment will be excluded, the maximum term of imprisonment will be extended, and property confiscation will be introduced as a form of punishment.
Temporary deprivation of liberty and community service for organizing into an organized group with the purpose of engaging in anti-Latvian activities will no longer be applicable. The amendments to the law stipulate imprisonment for up to eight years instead of the current five years for such offences.
If a crime against Latvia is committed by a state official, the punishment may range from two to ten years. Assistance to a foreigner, foreign organization, or foreign state in anti-Latvian activities will result in imprisonment for a period ranging from one to ten years.
Responsibility for espionage is also heightened, with a minimum term of imprisonment set at one year. Organizing or engaging in espionage activities may lead to life imprisonment, imprisonment for a term of eight to 20 years, or post-release supervision for up to three years.
The Criminal Law is also supplemented with a new article that establishes responsibility for violating the prohibition on organizing or conducting military tactical exercises and participating in them. Such a violation can be punished with imprisonment for up to five years, temporary deprivation of liberty, post-release supervision, or a fine.
Recall that on Tuesday, December 12, the Latvian Minister of Defence, Andris Sprūds, visited Ukraine. During the visit, he met with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, to discuss a range of important issues related to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, including the creation of a "drone coalition."