Published on 1 June 2026
FIRST SECTION
Applications nos. 25414/25 and 26441/25
Natalja MASLUHINA against Latvia
and Alla BEREZOVSKA against Latvia
lodged on 13 August 2025 and 20 August 2025 respectively
communicated on 13 May 2026
SUBJECT MATTER OF THE CASE
The case concerns the applicants’ complaints that monetary fines imposed on them in administrative-offence proceedings breached their freedom of expression.
The first applicant, in the context of administrative-offence proceedings, was subject to a monetary fine (EUR 50) for having posted a symbol on Facebook on 9 May 2024 glorifying a totalitarian regime (application no. 25414/25). The second applicant was subject to a monetary fine (EUR 30) for a similar administrative offence that also took place on 9 May 2024 (application no. 26441/25).
By final decisions of 7 May 2025 (case no. 15550008523924.1) in respect of the first applicant (application no. 25414/25) and 8 May 2025 (case no. 15550008429224.1) in respect of the second applicant (application no. 26441/25), the applicants’ complaints about them being held administratively liable were dismissed by the respective regional courts.
The applicants rely on Article 6 and Article 10 of the Convention.
QUESTIONS TO THE PARTIES
1. In view of the scope of their complaints, have the applicants exhausted all effective domestic remedies, as required by Article 35 § 1 of the Convention?
2. Has there been an interference with the applicants’ freedom of expression on account of their administrative punishment for symbols posted on Facebook on 9 May 2024, within the meaning of Article 10 § 1 of the Convention?
If so, was that interference prescribed by law and necessary in terms of Article 10 § 2?