Internet, Latvia, Legislation, Security, Technology

In recent days, a picture with a map of Latvia has been circulating on social networks. Latgale Province is partitioned of Latvia on the map, and next to it is a flag being associated with some kind of ''Latgale people's republic''.

The Security Police remind that such ideas, like doubting Latvia's territorial sovereignty, is in accordance with Russia's current geo-political interests.

Taking into account the increase in instances where the image of the Latvian flag is being used in a provocative way and in not in accordance with Latvian national interests, the Security Police urge the public to inform police about similar instances.

As reported, the Security Police back in October 2012 began an investigation into comments made by former National-Bolshevik leader and pro-Russian activist Vladimirs Lindermans regarding his ideas on the autonomy of Latgale Province. He said that the autonomy of Latgale would be an appropriate step to counter efforts by government coalition parties which did not permit a referendum on automatic citizenship for non-citizens.

A criminal process on undermining Latvia's territorial integrity was later initiated against Lindermans and his associates – Ilarions Girss and Jevgenijs Osipovs.