Latvia Launches Espionage Probe: MEP Tatjana Ždanoka Suspected of Russian Collaboration

Latvia has taken significant steps in response to allegations of espionage within its political landscape in the wake of the Tatjana Ždanoka affair.

According to reports emerging from Latvian media outlets on March 16th, 2024, the country’s state security service has commenced criminal proceedings against a prominent figure, Tatjana Ždanoka, who is both a European Parliament lawmaker and a citizen of Latvia.

Ždanoka, aged 73, is suspected of collaborating with Russian intelligence and security services.

The investigations into Ždanoka’s activities and her purported ties to Russia have been ongoing for several weeks.

These inquiries gained momentum following reports disseminated in January by various media platforms across Russia, the Nordic countries, and the Baltic region.

These reports alleged that Ždanoka had been operating as an agent for the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) since as early as 2004.

The decision to initiate criminal proceedings against Ždanoka was reportedly made by Latvia’s state security service, known by the acronym VDD, on February 22nd.

Despite repeated attempts for comment, the security service remained unavailable to provide additional details. Meanwhile, Ždanoka has vehemently denied all accusations levelled against her.

The gravity of the situation prompted the European Parliament to launch its own investigation into the matter in late January.

The allegations, which implied that a member of the European Parliament had been acting as a Russian agent for several years, led to heightened concern within the EU’s legislative body, headquartered in Strasbourg, France.

A collaborative effort between various investigative journalism outlets culminated in the publication of leaked emails purportedly showcasing Ždanoka’s interactions with her alleged handler.

Among the revelations brought to light, it was claimed that Ždanoka had been engaged in disseminating propaganda concerning the rights of Russian minorities in Baltic countries.

Moreover, she was accused of advocating for policies aligned with the Kremlin’s interests and maintaining silence regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Latvia and its Baltic neighbour, Estonia, both host significant Russian-speaking minorities, constituting approximately 25% of their respective populations.

These dynamics have been further complicated by accusations from Moscow, alleging discrimination against Russian-speaking communities in Latvia and Estonia, both of which are former Soviet republics.

Ždanoka’s profile, as outlined on the European Parliament’s official website, positions her as the president of the EU Russian-Speakers’ Alliance, a role she has held since 2007.

Her tenure as a member of the European Parliament commenced in 2004, coinciding with the period during which allegations suggest she began collaborating with Russian intelligence services.

Read also: Tatjana Ždanoka: investigation launched into Latvian MEP’s alleged ties with Russian Intelligence

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