Professor Lankov, a well-known historian and expert on North Korea, was detained during a lecture in Riga, Latvia, on the topic "North Korea: What It Wants and What It Fears." The arrest occurred as attendees were engaged with his presentation, drawing significant attention from the audience. Lankov holds dual citizenship of Russia and Australia and is currently a professor at Korea University in Seoul.

The event organizers claimed that the detention was due to Lankov being placed on a blacklist, a step that has raised questions regarding the criteria and circumstances under which individuals are monitored or restricted in Latvia. As of now, Latvian authorities have not provided public comments or clarification on the reasons behind the arrest, leading to speculation about the implications of Lankov's expertise and his previous legal challenges, including a fine imposed by a Russian court for his association with a so-called undesirable organization.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding academic freedom and international relations, particularly as the context involves discussions about North Korea, a topic often fraught with diplomatic sensitivity. The arrest underlines the challenges faced by scholars engaged in politically charged areas of research and raises awareness of how government policies can impact educational discourse in multiple nations.