Europoliticians accused of Russian espionage and propaganda

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Latvian authorities are investigating possible espionage for Russia by a Latvian MEP. She has now been suspended in Brussels and Strasbourg. A Dutch MEP is also accused of having too close ties with the Kremlin regime and of spreading Russian propaganda.

According to sources within the Latvian security services, the MEP in question is. 73-year-old Tatjana Zdanoka, a well-known figure in Latvian political circles. The investigation focuses on alleged cooperation with Russian special services. The news comes amid growing concerns about increasingly aggressive Russian influence in European politics.

The Latvian Constitutional Protection Agency has confirmed that the investigation into Zdanoka's alleged ties to Russian intelligence services is still ongoing. However, no details have been released yet about specific allegations against her.

This news has sparked a wave of concern within the European Parliament. Several MPs have expressed concern about the possibility of foreign interference in European politics. In response to the Russian war against Ukraine, European politicians have imposed numerous sanctions against Moscow.

In addition to Zdanoka's case, a Dutch MEP is also suspected of having too close ties with Russia. Marcel de Graaff, former member of the PVV and Forum for Democracy, is suspected of collaborating with the Kremlin. De Graaff has denied the allegations and claims they are politically motivated. He was also part of the right-wing extremist I&D faction in Strasbourg for some time.

When De Graaff again argued for rapprochement with Russia in a speech in the European Parliament last week and denounced Europe's pro-Ukraine policy, he was interrupted several times by boos from other EU politicians and was eventually deprived of the floor.

In response to the allegations, the European Parliament has announced that it will conduct its own investigation into European politicians' involvement with foreign powers.