Latvia’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) requested information from two media outlets, LETA and Re:Baltica, about content published on their websites in the context of the pre-election municipal campaign to be held on June 7. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joined its affiliate the Latvian Journalists’ Association (LŽA) in expressing its concern about questions by a state agency into editorial decisions.

On May 14 and 15, Latvia’s news agency LETA and the Baltic Centre for Investigative Journalism Re:Baltica, received similar letters from the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) to provide explanations regarding published content about the upcoming municipal election.

Referring to the powers of the Bureau and based on the Agitation Law, the letters request precise information about editorial processes, such as the selection criteria for the political parties, interviewees and cities mentioned, the name of the person coordinating the editorial and publication work, or the source of funding for the content. Re:Baltica was also asked about its future publication plans. Both media have responded to the KNAB stating that decisions to choose what to publish is editorial freedom.

“Implying—without evidence—that media content is paid for during an election campaign is not only offensive, it’s dangerous,” LŽA states.

KNAB said it has received complaints about possible risks of hidden agitation and denied any attempt to “evaluate content” or “the expression of criticism”.

The EFJ and LŽA jointly question the intention behind such an initiative and the relevance of the requested information under the guise of a risk of “agitation”, which shows a total lack of understanding of journalistic practices. LŽA has officially appealed to the KNAB, requesting explanations.

In a statement, LŽA said: “In its letters, KNAB, while referring to the right to obtain information stipulated in the law, does not explain the reasons for such interest. This in turn raises concerns not only about the motives and goals of such requests, but also about KNAB’s understanding of the work of independent media and the principles of editorial freedom and independence.”

The EFJ calls on KNAB to provide a clear explanation regarding its investigation and demands that KNAB refrain from proceeding with further actions involving media outlets and journalists. “It is highly inappropriate for KNAB to come and ask for this kind of information in pre-election time. If journalistic publications are considered to be a source of ‘agitation’, there is a serious problem in understanding the role of the media. KNAB’s letters are a form of intimidation, which threatens not only the editorial freedom of the media, but also public trust by creating suspicion,” said EFJ General Secretary Ricardo Gutiérrez.