Latvian Security Police Makes Moves to Outlaw Pro-Russian Socialist Party

Claim the party was illegally registered

Latvian security police have demanded that the country's chief notary annul the registration of a political party that sought a national referendum on recognizing Russian as an official language.

Security officials claim they possess proof that the party was created in violation of the law. In particular, the authorities question the legality of the party's founding convention.

According to Latvian law, it takes at least 200 members at the founding convention to get the party registered. Organizers of the January 13 Movement claim they had 213 people present.