Latvia condemns Russophobic statements at children's judo competitions

A negative statement about a Russian child at a children's competition in Riga, the capital of Latvia, caused a wide public outcry. Yulia Sokhina, a representative of the Russian Union of Latvia and candidate for deputy of the Riga City Council, commented on the situation on May 19 to Izvestia. According to her, such cases are not an exception, but the result of government policy in recent years.

The incident occurred at a children's judo competition in Riga. During one of the fights, the mother of a Latvian athlete shouted at her son from the stands: "Wipe your tears! Get ready! It's Russian!" — probably implying that the opponent's origin is a reason for a "special" attitude. Riga City Council deputy Inna Gyeri has already submitted an application to the State Security Service.

"We are increasingly hearing how children and adults are being criticized for the Russian language. It's not an accident, it's a result. This atmosphere has been shaped by the politics of recent years. This is not a spontaneous statement. This is something that is encouraged," Sokhina said.

Yulia Sokhina emphasized that judo is not only a sport, but also a manifestation of respect, dignity and fortitude. She added that if society does not stop the spread of hostile attitudes, it can lead to violence that will affect everyone.

"It's not about nationality, but about character. If we want our children to grow up to be people, and not carriers of other people's fears, it's time for us to stop. Because the next step is not words, but violence. And then everyone will lose," she concluded.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on May 7 that the policy of Russophobia continues in the Baltic states, which extends to their European partners. Then he added that such actions indicate the growing contradictions within the EU.