Latvia's Language Requirement Sparks Controversy as 841 Russians Deported
Latvia has been enforcing its language proficiency requirements, leading to the deportation of 841 Russian citizens who failed the Latvian language test. This move has sparked controversy, with the Kremlin accusing Latvia of disinformation and a local portal denying retroactive changes to laws. The case of Lyudmila Mezhins, who was deported for not taking the test, has drawn attention, with Latvia's Foreign Minister Baiba Brazhe demanding the removal of a publication discussing her deportation.
Lyudmila Mezhins, a Russian citizen, found herself in a difficult position when she decided not to take the Latvian language proficiency test. This decision, along with her failure to meet the language requirement, resulted in her deportation from Latvia. Her husband, Peteris, has been vocal about the challenges they faced, leading to a publication by Aleksei Stefanov on TVNet. However, Latvia's Foreign Minister Baiba Brazhe has demanded the removal of this publication, citing concerns over its content.
The language proficiency requirement has led to a significant exodus of Russian citizens from Latvia. According to reports, about 2,600 Russian citizens have left the country due to this requirement. The Kremlin has been critical of Latvia's policy, accusing it of disinformation and using the case of the Mezhins family as an example. However, Latvia's Office of Citizenship and Migration has confirmed the deportations, stating that the language test is a necessary part of the integration process.
The deportation of Russian citizens from Latvia due to language proficiency requirements has become a contentious issue. While Latvia maintains that these requirements are necessary for integration, the Kremlin accuses it of disinformation. The case of Lyudmila Mezhins has drawn attention to this issue, with her deportation and the subsequent demand for the removal of a publication discussing her case highlighting the complexities of the situation. Despite denials from a local portal, the Office of Citizenship and Migration has confirmed the deportations, indicating that the language requirement is being enforced.
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