Latvia bans 25 entertainers, cultural workers supportive of Russia

Riga, Latvia, Mar 23 (EFE).- Latvia Wednesday banned 25 entertainers and cultural workers who have expressed support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine from entering the Baltic state.

Latvian foreign minister, Edgars Rinkevics, said the celebrities were banned after expressing “active political support for the continued aggression against Ukraine by the Russian authorities”.

The list includes Russians film director Nikita Mikhalkov, orchestra conductor Valery Gergiev and singer Polina Gagarina, who represented Russia in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest.

Russian musician Nikolai Rastorguyev will also be banned from Latvia for signing a letter in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annexation of the Crimea in 2014.

The 25 people will be banned from entering Latvia indefinitely or until further notice, the foreign minister said.

“Support for the atrocities committed by the Kremlin regime means co-responsibility for the crimes committed, therefore the entry of such persons into Latvia is not allowed,” Rinkevics said in a statement. EFE

jkz/mp