Latvia includes Russian citizens on its 'black lists' for security purposes
The inclusion of Russian citizens in Latvia’s “black lists” will not improve relations between the two countries. Latvia however is doing this to protect its security. This was stated by Viktor Makarov, who is the advisor to Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs.
“We have seen that Russia is very negative about the inclusion of its citizens in the ‘black lists’. Latvia had the same attitude when Russia did the same thing, and it's normal,” he said while on air with Radio Baltkom.
Makarov declined to comment on the inclusion of Russian artist, Dmitry Pevtsov, in the list of “persona non grata”.
He went on to say that “the state has the right to defend its security and political interests”, even if that goes against their economic interests.
"We now have this unpleasant situation, unfortunately, because Russia’s actions in Europe contradict the international law,” Makarov concluded.
On the 23rd of October, it was reported that Pevtsov was included on Latvia's “black list”. A performance by the actor, and the CarTush group, is scheduled for the 19th of November in Moscow House in Riga, but ticket sales are currently suspended. Pevtsov himself said that he did not violate the laws of Latvia and that he did not commit any crimes against the country.