Latvia enhanced enhanced border security regime with Belarus

On August 11, Latvia introduces a reinforced regime of state border protection. The measure will be in effect for six months in the territories of Ludza, Kraslava, and Augsdaugava districts bordering Belarus, as well as Daugavpils. Such a decision was made on August 8 by the country's Cabinet of Ministers, reports the press service of the Latvian government.

"The order was issued to ensure the inviolability of the state border and prevent state threat, taking into account the disproportionate number of attempts to illegally cross the Latvian-Belarusian border," the press release said.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the country specified that the competent authorities of Lithuania and Poland continue to receive information about cases of illegal border crossing from the territory of Belarus.

"Therefore, it is very important to ensure unified and coordinated international action against such attempts of illegal crossing of the state border to ensure equal protection of the borders of the countries of the entire region with Belarus," said the ministry.

According to the Latvian side, more than 14,000 people have been denied to cross the Latvian border since August 11, 2021. In turn, 282 people have been allowed into the country on humanitarian grounds since January this year, 117 of them minors.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 09/08/2023