Appeal of the Latvian Association of Administrative Judges to European Judges

Appeal of the Latvian Association of Administrative Judges to European Judges

We woke up in a different world today.

Russia is interfering unhindered in Ukraine's territorial integrity, threatening its independence, causing fear and despair. It is happening nearby, in the European Union's neighbourhood. We must not be passive bystanders and observers. We must not allow a recurrence of the 1939 agreement, when independent states were deprived of their freedom. Ukraine not only has to withstand an attack from another country, but it also has to pay with its sacrifices for the security of us, the rest of Europe.

Today, as never before, we, the judges of Europe, must stand together and speak out for the values that the democratic world stands for: the rule of law, human rights and respectful relations with one another. They are only seemingly self-evident.

We, the administrative judges of Latvia, call on you, European judges, to recognise the seriousness of the situation. We appeal to you, European judges, to request the intellectual leaders and governments of your countries to stand together in solidarity and unity, to provide all necessary financial, military and humanitarian assistance and to introduce serious and effective sanctions to stop Russia's brutal attack on Ukraine.

Riga, 24 February 2022

In the name of Latvian Association of Administrative Judges

Chair of the board                                                        L. Paegļkalna

Member of the board                                                   A. Dreimanis

Member of the board                                                  А. Zariņa

Latvijas Administratīvo tiesnešu biedrība Baldones iela 1a, Rīga, LV-1007 www.latb.lv