Korean scholar Andrei Lankov was detained at a lecture in Riga

He was declared persona non grata and taken from Latvia to Estonia

In Riga, Latvian immigration officers detained Korean scholar Andrei Lankov during his lecture on North Korea. This was reported by the correspondent of “New Europe”.

Lankov’s detention took place on the evening of February 24 at the Radisson Hotel during his lecture on the DPRK - “North Korea: what the top people want and what they are afraid of.” The organizers of the event said that the professors were included in the “black list” of Latvia.

“These are difficult times, anything can happen. It’s an everyday matter,” Lankov commented on what happened.

Later, the Anti-War Committee of Russia, citing lawyer Lankov, reported that the Latvian authorities recognized the scientist as persona non grata. According to the organization, Lankov received this status on February 20, but he was allowed to enter the country. The reasons for such measures are not disclosed.

A source from Novaya Gazeta Europe reports that the Latvian migration service is escorting Lankov to the border with Estonia. Tomorrow he is due to give a lecture in Tallinn. The scientist does not face deportation to Russia.

“It’s interesting that there were no obstacles when entering the country. It is alarming that this show trial against a public figure could become a precedent. The decision was made on February 20, but they allowed him to move in. Significantly detained at the lecture. This means that this action is indicative and demonstrates Latvia’s position towards the Russians,” said politician, member of the Anti-War Committee Andrei Pivovarov.

Updated at 00:40 Moscow time. Information has been added about Lankov being declared persona non grata in Latvia and his deportation to Estonia.