In a troubling turn of events, Latvian human rights defender Ieva Raubiško finds herself facing charges for her compassionate efforts to assist asylum seekers at the Latvia-Belarus border. Scheduled for a court hearing on 28th February 2024, Raubiško stands accused of "organising intentional illegal crossing of the state border for a group of people," sparking concerns among the human rights community and prompting calls for justice.
Raubiško, a dedicated advocate and social anthropologist, has long been committed to supporting individuals on the move in Latvia. As a project coordinator/advocacy officer at Gribu palīdzēt bēgļiem (GPB – I Want to Help Refugees), she has worked tirelessly to provide practical assistance and raise awareness of the rights and needs of asylum seekers and refugees. However, her altruistic endeavors have now resulted in her being targeted by authorities under dubious legal grounds.
The charges stem from an incident in January 2023 when Raubiško and her colleague, Egils Grasmanis, responded to a distress call from a group of Syrian asylum seekers who had been repeatedly pushed back from Latvia to Belarus. Upon authorization from the group, Raubiško took action by filing a request with the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) to prevent their deportation and ensure their protection. Despite the ECtHR's instruction for Latvia to refrain from deporting the individuals until 8th February 2023, Raubiško and Grasmanis were apprehended by border guards while attempting to assist the asylum seekers on Latvian territory.
Now, facing charges that could result in up to two years of imprisonment, Raubiško stands as a symbol of the ongoing challenges faced by human rights defenders in Latvia. Her case highlights the complexities surrounding humanitarian assistance in the context of migration and the risks encountered by those who dare to challenge unjust practices.
Oasis World Vision (OWV) has issued a strong condemnation of Raubiško's prosecution, denouncing it as a reprisal for her legitimate and peaceful human rights work. Urging Latvian authorities to drop all charges against Raubiško, OWV emphasizes the importance of ensuring that human rights defenders can operate freely and without fear of reprisals.
As the international community watches closely, the case of Ieva Raubiško serves as a stark reminder of the vital role played by human rights defenders in upholding fundamental rights and values. It is imperative that justice prevails and that Raubiško's unwavering commitment to humanitarian principles is recognized and respected.
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