The State Duma condemned the repressive policy of the Baltic countries against Russian-speakers

Deputies of the State Duma of the Russian Federation unanimously adopted a statement on the inadmissibility of the repressive policy of the authorities of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia in relation to the Russian-speaking population, informed press service of the State Duma.

“The Baltic countries have long pursued a repressive policy and encouraged nationalism and intolerance towards Russians. Brutal Russophobic persecution, persecution of children in schools and even kindergartens, persecution of journalists, destruction of cultural and memorial heritage, substitution of historical facts have become the norm. document.

The deputies also noted the criminal course taken by the authorities of these countries to completely oust the Russian language from all spheres of public life, the media and the education system. At the same time, the political leadership of the Baltic countries, as stated, “does not hide neo-fascist sympathies”, supports the annual processions of SS legionnaires and prohibits the “Immortal Regiment” action.

The State Duma opposes any manifestations of discrimination based on race, skin color, national or ethnic origin, political and other beliefs, the statement says. The deputies in the adopted document demand the authorities of the Baltic countries and Western countries that encourage Russophobia “to observe the principles of international law and stop infringing on the fundamental rights of the Russian-speaking population.”

In August 2022, the dismantling of the monument to Soviet soldiers, the liberators of Latvia and Riga from the Nazi invaders, began in Riga. Then the Vilnius authorities announced plans to dismantle the monument to Soviet soldiers at the Antakalnis cemetery. Against this background, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would never be able to “understand and accept” the demolition of monuments to Soviet soldiers, and such steps that are being taken in European countries cause “heartache.” In November, the Foreign Ministry summoned the Latvian ambassador to Moscow, Maris Riekstins, in connection with the dismantling of Soviet memorials, and the permanent mission of the Russian Federation to UNESCO announced the need to respond impartially to the demolition of monuments.