Latvia declares pro-Russian journalist persona non grata

Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) has declared a pro-Russian journalist persona non grata, ordering them to leave the country. The decision was based on findings that the journalist had systematically spread Russian disinformation narratives and worked to undermine Latvia's national security and democratic institutions.

The security service said the journalist's activities were consistent with Russian information warfare operations targeting Baltic states. Officials cited specific articles and broadcasts in which the individual amplified Kremlin talking points about Latvia's Russian-speaking minority and NATO's presence in the region.

Latvia has been among the most active EU member states in countering Russian propaganda, citing its significant Russian-speaking population and proximity to Russia as factors making it particularly vulnerable to information operations. The country previously banned Russian state television channels and has expelled several individuals linked to foreign influence campaigns.

The expelled journalist denied the allegations, calling the decision politically motivated censorship. Russia's foreign ministry criticized Latvia's actions as persecution of independent journalists.