Latvia adds two pro-Russian comedians to 'undesirable persons' list

Latvia's Foreign Minister Baiba Braže has decided to ban two pro-Russian comedians, Vladimir Moisejenko and Vladimir Danilets, from entering the country indefinitely by adding them to Latvia's list of undesirable persons, also known as persona non grata.

Braže announced the decision on social media, stating it was made in accordance with the Immigration Law. This law allows the foreign minister to decide on adding individuals to the list if they are deemed undesirable for Latvia.

Public information indicates that both comedians had planned a concert tour in Latvia for September, with shows announced in Rīga, Daugavpils, and Rēzekne. This ban reflects a broader trend where Latvian foreign ministers have regularly added entertainment industry figures to the undesirable persons list during wartime if they have demonstrated support for the policies of aggressor states.

The move underscores Latvia's stance against individuals perceived as supporting Russian aggression, extending beyond political figures to include those in the cultural sphere.