Russian Army Service Leads to Prosecution for Latvian Individual
A Latvian man, Bartašs Edgars, is facing charges for allegedly participating in an armed conflict outside the territory of Latvia without lawful authorization. The investigation and legal proceedings are underway to establish the factual circumstances and determine any criminal responsibility.
The VDD, Latvia's State Security Service, has qualified Bartašs Edgars' actions under Article 77.1 of the Criminal Law, specifically for active unlawful participation in an armed conflict taking place outside the territory of Latvia.
According to the VDD, Bartašs Edgars is suspected of having concluded a military service contract with the Russian Armed Forces and of participating in hostilities in Ukraine.
The criminal proceedings against Bartašs Edgars were initiated on October 8 this year, following his detention by State Border Guard officers on October 7 in Šķilbēnu municipality. It is alleged that he was attempting to illegally cross the state border from the Russian side.
The alleged offence is under Article 95.1 of the Criminal Law, which prohibits Latvian citizens from serving in the armed forces of a foreign state without the permission of the Latvian government.
The armed conflict in question is taking place outside the territory of Latvia, making Bartašs Edgars' actions unlawful under Latvian law. The VDD's qualification of Bartašs Edgars' actions as participation in an armed conflict further strengthens the case against him.
The case highlights the importance of adhering to Latvian law, particularly regarding involvement in foreign armed conflicts, and the efforts of the VDD and State Border Guard to uphold the country's national security.
- The investigation into Bartašs Edgars' alleged participation in an armed conflict outside Latvia's territory is a part of the general news and politics, serving to underscore the importance of adhering to Latvian laws regarding foreign conflicts.
- The case of Bartašs Edgars, who is being charged for unlawful participation in a foreign armed conflict, is also connected to crime and justice, as it pertains to war-and-conflicts and involves a breach of Latvia's Criminal Law.
