The criminal process started on March 26, when the VDD employees found several video speeches published by this person in the Russian language on the video sharing platform “TikTok”, the LETA agency was informed by the service. In the speeches, support for Russia and its extended military aggression against Ukraine was expressed, as well as the man aggressively and hostilely addressed Latvians and other residents of Latvia who support Ukraine.
On April 25, the VDD also searched an object related to this person near Riga. Several data carriers, the man’s notes, as well as clothing and other items with symbols of Russia and the Soviet Union were removed for further investigation.
The suspect had already come to the attention of the VDD in 2023 in connection with aggressive and pro-Russian comments on the social network “Facebook”. In August, the VDD conducted preventive discussions with the man, warning that his activities in the Internet environment are approaching criminal offenses for which criminal liability is provided.
The suspect has been remanded in custody as a security measure.
The information available to the LETA agency shows that the arrested person is Dmitrijs Mataevs. For example, in one of the videos posted on “TikTok”, he can be seen in front of the Russian embassy, where in the background is the facade of the Paul Stradins Medical History Museum with a poster of the stylized skull of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Tags: Man arrested supporting Russian war crimes inciting national hatred TikTok video calls
