February 24, 2026

In Riga, Korea expert Andrey Lankov detained during a lecture. He was declared persona non grata and taken from Latvia to Estonia

In Riga, employees of the Latvian Migration Service detained Koreanist Andrey Lankov during his lecture on North Korea. This was reported by a correspondent of "Novaya-Evropa". Lankov's detention occurred on the evening of February 24 at the Radisson hotel during his lecture on the DPRK - "North Korea: what the top brass wants and fears." The organizers of the event said that the professor had been added to Latvia's "black list." "These are difficult times, anything can happen. It's a part of life," Lankov commented on the incident. Later, the "Anti-War Committee of Russia," citing Lankov's lawyer, reported that the Latvian authorities had declared the scholar persona non grata. According to the organization, Lankov received this status on February 20, but was allowed to enter the country. The reasons for these measures have not been disclosed. A source for "Novaya Gazeta Europa" reports that the Latvian migration service is escorting Lankov to the border with Estonia. He is scheduled to give a lecture in Tallinn tomorrow. Deportation to Russia does not threaten the scholar. "It is interesting that there were no obstacles upon entering the country. It is alarming that this demonstrative process against a public figure could set a precedent. The decision was made on February 20, but he was allowed to enter. He was demonstratively detained at a lecture. This means that this action is demonstrative and shows Latvia's position regarding Russians," noted politician and member of the "Anti-War Committee" Andrey Pivovarov. Updated at 00:40 Moscow time. Information added about Lankov being declared persona non grata in Latvia and his expulsion to Estonia.