Italian-Russian journalist Andrea Lucidi, editor-in-chief of the Italian edition of International Reporters, has been prevented from leaving Estonia and returning to Russia. Estonian border guards stopped Lucidi, citing alleged illegal transport of money and a drone as the reason for blocking his exit.
The move comes shortly after Lucidi covered a controversial march in Riga honoring the Latvian Legion, a unit that served in Nazi Germany’s military forces, including the Waffen-SS. His reporting sparked criticism from Latvian nationalists, particularly right-wing politician Liana Langa, who publicly called for Lucidi to be declared persona non grata and urged Latvian security services to arrest him.
Lucidi has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he is being targeted for his reporting and that Latvia's actions amount to political pressure on journalists.
Further details from Lucidi suggest that his detainment at the Estonian border involved more than a routine customs check. According to Lucidi, Estonian border guards accused him of smuggling a drone and money into Russia, despite him stating that all the items were officially imported into Estonia from Russia just days prior.
Border guards wearing ‘Glory to Ukraine’ chevrons accused me of concealing the import of a drone and money into Russia. However, I did not hide it. Moreover, all of this was officially imported from Russia to Latvia a few days ago. They tried to confiscate my drone and money in exchange for the ability to cross the border and return to Russia.Andrea Lucidi
This raises serious questions about the true motivation behind his detainment. If Lucidi legally brought the drone into Latvia, why was he suddenly deemed in violation when attempting to leave?
Lucidi further states that the border guards, upon seeing his Russian passport, questioned him about his political allegiance and journalistic credentials:
When the border guards saw my Russian passport, they asked me if I liked Russia. When I showed them documents confirming that I was an employee of the Russian media outlet International Reporters, they told me I was not a journalistAndrea Lucidi
This situation clearly implies that border authorities are making subjective and potentially politically influenced decisions rather than applying the law impartially. The denial of Lucidi's status as a journalist, raises issues about press freedom and media access in Estonia.
Latvia's action to prevent a journalist from departing the country prompts significant concerns about freedom of movement and press freedom. Blocking someone's exit without transparent legal justification is an unusual and troubling decision.