Right to armed resistance written into law

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Should Latvia face a military attack, its inhabitants will have a legal right to armed resistance and to support civil and military partisan movements, according to amendments to National Security Law adopted by the parliament October 4.

The law defines principles of national security and specifies cases in which the cabinet can call a mobilization of National Guard and reserve troops.

Until now, the law allowed armed resistance only in the case of war, but now it also allows resistance during a military attack or the annexation of the country, the Saeima press service told the press.

The law likewise stipulates that it will be possible to announce a mobilization of up to 72 hours if there is threat to national safety.  

According to the Saeima, the amendments were necessary so that the National Armed Forces could fill up ranks before a state of emergency or war is officially declared. 

The law likewise gives more power to the National Armed Forces and allies to issue commands to Latvian residents and codifies a duty not to cooperate with the aggressors' institutions and armed units if it poses no threat to the well-being of an individual or their relatives. 

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