Russian historian and North Korea specialist Andrei Lankov has been placed on Latvia's blacklist of undesirable persons following an initiative from the State Security Service (VDD).
Andrei Lankov, a Russian historian and expert on North Korean issues, has been detained during a lecture in Riga and subsequently included in Latvia's blacklist of undesirable persons, referred to as 'persona non grata.' This action was initiated by the State Security Service (VDD), which cited Lankov's activities as potentially threatening to Latvia's national security. The VDD confirmed that they requested the inclusion of Lankov from the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba BraΕΎe, based her decision on information provided by national security services, referring specifically to Section 61, Part 2 of the Immigration Law. This law allows for the inclusion of foreign nationals deemed undesirable in the country, and it grants discretion to the foreign minister to make such determinations. As a result, Lankov is now barred from entering Latvia indefinitely.
The list of undesirable persons is maintained by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, which oversees the enforcement of this policy. The case highlights ongoing security concerns in Latvia, particularly regarding the influence and activities of foreign nationals who may pose risks to national interests.
