On Tuesday evening in Riga, police apprehended Andrei Lankov, a prominent Russian historian and specialist in Korean affairs, while he was giving a lecture entitled 'North Korea: What the leaders want and what they fear.' The incident was reported by the newspaper 'Novaja Gazeta Jevropa.' After his detention, Lankov was taken to the immigration service, with organizers of the lecture stating that the reason for his arrest stemmed from his inclusion on a blacklist.

Lankov holds dual citizenship in Russia and Australia and is recognized as a leading expert on North Korean issues. He is a doctorate holder in history and a professor at Korea University in Seoul. His arrest in Latvia has raised concerns about academic freedom and the implications of such detentions on international scholarly exchanges, especially as reports indicate that a Russian court had previously fined him for activities associated with a so-called undesirable organization.

As of now, Latvian authorities have not provided any comments regarding the incident. The lack of response from the government may suggest either a cautious approach to the incident or the complexities surrounding the broader geopolitical tensions involving Russia and its relations with the West. This event not only highlights the precarious situation of scholars engaged in sensitive political topics but also reflects ongoing issues related to freedom of expression in various countries.