Heightened security as Russians vote in State Duma election near Moscow's embassy in Riga

On Sunday, September 20, voting in Russia's State Duma election is taking place at the Russian embassy in Riga, closely monitored by Latvian police and border guard officers. Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava (National Alliance) reported that by 2 p.m., 164 Russian citizens had been checked as they arrived at the polling station set up inside the embassy.

Security measures on site

Barriers have been put up around the embassy, police officers are on duty, and a State Police vehicle is parked nearby. Photos from the scene show only a small number of people waiting at the embassy gates, with no significant lines forming. The State Police, together with the State Border Guard, are carrying out immigration checks at the site, and everyone heading to the polling station is being recorded.

Latvia's position

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that Russia's occupation and unlawful annexation of Ukrainian territories, as well as its actions in parts of Georgia and Moldova, violate international law. As a result, the ministry says, voting organized in those territories has no legitimate basis. Latvia has previously specifically condemned the holding of elections in Crimea and Sevastopol, as well as in the occupied Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. The ministry reiterated Latvia's support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia within their internationally recognized borders.