Hatred and hate crimes in Latvia in the 20th century to the beginning of the 21st century – A historical perspective

The Constitution (Satversme) of the Republic of Latvia protects fundamental human rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression, minority rights and the prohibition of any discrimination. The historical development of the present Republic of Latvia over the centuries can also be viewed from the perspective of wars and conflicts and has resulted in a diverse ethnic and cultural heritage, which has sometimes led to tensions and prejudices. Hate speech and hate crimes, often rooted in such prejudices, have been on the rise, particularly due to recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Hate, characterised by persistent and intense hostility, serves as a stimulus for such crimes. However, hate itself is not illegal; only hate-motivated actions are considered criminal. This article aims to analyse the legal framework concerning hate crimes in Latvia, tracing the development of understanding of hatred and hate crimes from the 20th century to the present, therefore this historical legacy still affects the situation in our country.