Latvia bans imports of books and printed material from Russia and Belarus

Latvia has banned books, newspapers and other printed products arriving from Russia and Belarus, citing concerns over disinformation and war propaganda. The ban took effect on September 1, the country’s Foreign Ministry told AFP.

The restrictions also cover consumer goods such as clothing, toys and sports equipment. Latvia says the measure is intended to protect its security interests and further reduce economic ties with Russia and Belarus, which it says continue Russia’s war against Ukraine and support it.

Latvia, an EU and NATO member, borders both Russia and Belarus. The Foreign Ministry says imports from the two countries have dropped by about 91% since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Books and other printed products, however, have remained among the largest consumer-goods categories imported from Russia. The policy therefore reaches into an area with particular significance in Latvia, where ethnic Russians make up about a quarter of the population, according to official statistics cited by AFP.

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The purpose of the import ban is to protect Latvia’s security interests and further reduce economic ties with Russia and Belarus, which continue and support the war of aggression against Ukraine.