The Supreme Court of Latvia has declined to initiate cassation proceedings in a criminal case against a man accused of publicly justifying the aggression of the USSR. As a result, the ruling by the Riga Regional Court has been upheld, imposing a ten-month prison sentence on the individual. The man had made a post on Facebook in which he offered an incomplete account of history that praised the Soviet occupation and justified the USSR’s aggressive policies and crimes against humanity.

The case was significant, as the initial court had found the man guilty and imposed a conditional sentence. However, upon reviewing the appeal and the protest, the Riga Regional Court determined that the defendant's statements did not fall under the protections of freedom of speech as guaranteed by the Latvian Constitution and international legal instruments. Instead, the court concluded that his remarks deliberately glorified, denied, and grossly belittled the crimes committed by the USSR against humanity and peace, leading to a reevaluation of the sentence.

Ultimately, the regional court rejected the idea that a suspended sentence would achieve the objectives of punishment or promote respect for the law. This case illustrates Latvia's commitment to addressing historical injustices and upholding the principles of human rights, particularly regarding the heinous acts associated with Soviet-era policies. The ruling could also have broader implications for similar cases in the future, highlighting the balance between freedom of speech and accountability for promoting hate and denial of historical atrocities.