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Latvia security service initiates criminal proceedings against European lawmaker over suspected collusion with Russian intelligence services – JURIST

Latvia’s State Security Service (VDD) was reported on Saturday to have initiated criminal proceedings against Tatjana Ždanoka, a European Parliament lawmaker (MEP) and Latvian citizen, on suspicion of cooperating with Russian intelligence and security services, according to local Latvian media outlets. Per media reports, the VDD had been investigating the activities of  Ždanoka, 73, following a series of collaborative articles shared in January by Russian, Nordic, and Baltic media outlets alleging ties to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) since 2004. Latvian authorities confirmed to news agency LETA that proceedings against Ždanoka were initiated on February 22, though they denied a request for further comment. The VDD’s investigation follows one conducted by the European Parliament (EP), which launched an investigation in late January following similar reports of cooperation between Ždanoka and Russian intelligence services. The EP also issued a resolution expressing their concern over allegations that MEPs could be labeled “agents of influence” on behalf of Moscow. Ždanoka, who joined the EP in 2004 and is listed as the president of the EU Russian-Speakers’ Alliance since 2007, has been under fire for her alleged involvement with Russia. On January 29, Swedish newspaper Expressen published several leaked emails between Ždanoka and her alleged handler and also claimed that the MEP has taken on a quasi-whistle-blower role, calling attention to alleged violations of the rights of Russian nationals residing in the Baltic region. Expressen asserted that Ždanoka’s refusal to condemn Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine was indicative of a pro-Kremlin sentiment. The EU has not yet released a statement regarding the announcement, and there has been no further comment from Latvian authorities regarding the initiation of the proceedings. Representatives for Ždanoka did not reply to a request for comment, Latvian media outlets reported.