Latvia, Law and Regulations, Legislation

The criticized amendment that was said to limit media's opportunities to inform the public about important matters, pose threat to journalists' right to protect sources, and compromise protection of informants, has been temporarily removed, and will be considered in two weeks, after practice of the European Court of Human Rights was discussed.

The Criminal Law provides for a punishment for actions aimed against Latvia’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, the state power in the way that is not provided in the Latvian Constitution. Such a crime will carry a jail term of up to eight years and a probation period of up to three years. If the action includes violence or is conducted in an organized group carries a jail term of 8-15 years and a probation period of up to three years.

A public call against Latvia’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, the state power in a way that is not provided in the Constitution or distribution of materials containing such calls will carry a jail term of up to five years, an arrest, community work or a fine and a probation period of up to three years.

Assistance to other countries or foreign organizations in their actions against Latvia’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, the state power will also carry a jail term of up to five years, an arrest, community work or a fine and a probation period of up to three years.

The urgency status of the bill means that President Raimonds Vejonis will not be able not to promulgate the law or initiate a referendum on the law. The president though does not object to the present amendments to the law any more.