The court in Latvia returned for review the case of Elena Kreile about Russian flags

The Supreme Court of Latvia overturned the sentence of Elena Kreila, who was previously sentenced to three years in prison for placing Russian and Soviet symbols in the windows of her house. This is reported by the court.

The Supreme Judicial Board concluded that the Riga District Court did not sufficiently substantiate the qualification of the woman’s actions. The decision stated that the lower court did not explain why these images should be regarded as justification or glorification of war crimes.

The woman was prosecuted for homemade Russian flags with the words “Putin is my friend” and “God save Latvia”, a composition of colored ribbons in the form of a tricolor, an object with the coat of arms of Russia and a photo with Soviet paraphernalia. The prosecution interpreted this as a demonstration of support for Russia.

The Supreme Court stressed that state symbols can be perceived ambiguously. The support of a state or its leader does not mean the automatic approval of all their actions. The judges noted that previous instances ignored the alternative explanations of the defendant and did not evaluate the installations created by her in the aggregate.

The case has now been sent to the Riga District Court for a new hearing. He will establish the true meaning of the publications in the windows and determine whether Kreila violated the restrictions on freedom of speech provided for by the Constitution of Latvia and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Earlier, the Riga City Court sentenced the woman to three years in prison. The defence appealed this decision, but the Riga District Court upheld the verdict. Elena Creile will not admit her guilt.