Fired TV Rain host Alexey Korostelev banned from entering Latvia

Kristaps Eklons, the interior minister of Latvia, has blacklisted the former TV Rain host Alexey Korostelev, banning him from entering Latvia.

Korostelev lives in the Republic of Georgia and works remotely. The Latvian media Delfi reports that, since Korostelev does not have a Latvian visa or residency, he cannot be charged with a crime in Latvia. The only way Latvian authorities can hold him responsible for his December 1 remark on “helping” the Russian troops is to banish him from the country.

Korostelev has a month to appeal this decision in court.

• On December 1, Alexey Korostelev said, live on TV Rain, that the channel “had been able to help” a number of Russian troops on the Ukrainian frontline.
• The remark was made in the context of the channel’s coverage of illegal mobilization practices in Russia. Korostelev was later fired for the mistake that clashed with TV Rain’s outspoken anti-war position.
• The Latvian State Security Service recommended blacklisting Korostelev following his remark.
• On December 6, Latvian authorities revoked TV Rain’s broadcasting license. Meduza’s editorial board issued a statement in support of TV Rain, which was signed by many journalists, editors, and organizations in the media community.