Four people who identify as skinheads detained in Riga; three are minors

The State Police, together with the State Security Service, carried out several searches and detained four people on 29 October: three minors and one adult. The detentions are linked to the deliberate damaging of property by arson and to violence against people without a fixed place of residence. The detainees count themselves as skinheads and identify with them visually. The criminal investigation is continuing.

What the searches turned up

At the residences, police found skinhead paraphernalia: clothing, boots, pins, images, masks, brass knuckles, knives and weapon-like items. Police say some of these items were most likely used in the offences under investigation.

The investigation also established that the group included underage people, among them some who had reached the age of 14. Three minors have been recognised as suspects and given a preventive measure that does not involve deprivation of liberty. For two people who were under 14 when the offences were committed, a decision will be taken later on whether to refer the case materials for the application of compulsory educational measures.

Legal classification

The criminal proceedings were opened on 26 January over possible serious and especially serious crimes. They are classified under several articles of the Criminal Law:

• Article 150, part 3 – incitement of social hatred and enmity, where linked to bodily harm caused by a group; punishable by up to four years' imprisonment, short-term imprisonment or probation supervision;
• Article 185, part 2 – deliberate destruction or damaging of another person's property by arson; punishable by up to ten years' imprisonment and probation supervision of up to three years, or without it;
• Article 166, part 2 – unlawful circulation or transmission of pornographic material involving minors; punishable by up to three years' imprisonment, short-term imprisonment, probation, community service or a fine.

In the interests of the investigation, no further information is being released for now.

Police appeal to parents

The State Police urge parents to watch for changes in their children's interests, clothing, circle of friends, objects suddenly appearing in their rooms and badges, as well as the content they consume on smart devices. Police stress that it is important to notice changes in time and act preventively.

Criminal liability applies from the age of 14. Police remind the public that nobody is considered guilty until guilt is proven in the manner prescribed by law.