Russians in Latvia told to contact security services if they get a draft notice

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Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) said September 22 that Russian citizens living in Latvia should immediately inform the VDD if they receive a draft notice, as Moscow takes increasingly desperate steps to shore up its illegal invasion of Ukraine.

"In light of the announced mobilisation in Russia, [the] Latvian State Security Service (VDD) invites all Russian citizens who reside in Latvia to immediately inform VDD in case they receive a military subpoena from Russia," the VDD said.

"According to Putin’s public statements, it is planned to engage Russia’s armed forces’ reservists and all former conscripts of Russian army in Russia’s aggressive war in Ukraine. Russia is mobilising reinforcements to continue committing crimes against humanity and peace and war crimes that are aimed against Ukraine’s national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," it continued.

"VDD stresses that in accordance with Section 77 and 95 of the Criminal Law of Latvia, the citizens of Latvia (including dual citizenship holders), non-citizens and foreigners holding permanent residence permits of the Republic of Latvia, are subject to criminal liability should they serve in Russia’s armed forces and participate in the war against Ukraine and its population. Pursuant to Section 24 Paragraph One of the Citizenship Law, dual citizenship holders can be subject to revoking of Latvian citizenship for committing the aforementioned crimes."

Under existing rules it is not technically permitted to hold dual Latvian and Russian citizenship at the same time. However, it is possible some people illegally hold both passports. Dual citizenship with EU, NATO and selected other countries such as Australia and Brazil is permitted.

Individuals can provide information about the received military subpoenas via email [email protected] or over phone +371 6720 8964 (available 24/7). VDD guarantees the confidentiality of the source.

VDD is one of three security services in Latvia. Its main concern is counterintelligence and internal security, aimed at identifying and preventing possible threats to Latvia’s national security.

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