Andrei Lankov, a well-known scholar specializing in North Korean studies, announced that he was detained in Latvia while preparing to give a presentation on North Korean politics. According to Lankov, police arrived at the venue and informed him that he was banned from entering Latvia, subsequently deporting him as he was placed on the foreign ministry's list of individuals denied entry. The incident has drawn attention, particularly because Lankov has dual citizenship in Russia and Australia, raising questions about the implications of such actions against a scholar just delivering a lecture.

Lankov expressed frustration over the lack of clarity surrounding his expulsion, noting that authorities did not provide a reason for the ban when he was intercepted. This incident reportedly occurred after Latvia’s foreign ministry had already informed Lankov’s lawyer about the decision to declare him persona non grata. The Russian Anti-War Committee, a group of exiled activists, confirmed that they were also made aware of the situation surrounding Lankov’s detention and deportation, suggesting that this incident might be part of broader geopolitical tensions.

The implications of this incident could be significant both for Lankov personally and for academic freedom in the region. As a prominent figure specializing in North Korea, his research and commentary are valuable for understanding Pyongyang's political landscape. This occurrence raises concerns about how geopolitical sensitivities can impact scholarly exchanges and the flow of information, particularly regarding a country as isolated as North Korea. The reaction from Latvia and other nations regarding such restrictions going forward will likely influence how research and discourse on North Korea is conducted.