Help Us Support Ieva Raubiško's Appeal
Solidarity Is Not a Crime
In January 2023, Latvian human rights defender Ieva Raubiško responded to a plea for help from five Syrian asylum seekers stranded on the frigid Latvia - Belarus border. She brought their case to the European Court of Human Rights, which ordered the Latvian government to provide the basics - food, water, shelter - while their asylum claims were heard. To ensure these urgent interim measures were respected, Ieva and her colleagues went to the border, documented the conditions, and notified local authorities.
Yet, on August 20, 2025, the Latgale District Court convicted her of supporting an illegal crossing.
Sienos Grupė calls you to stand in solidarity. Humanitarian aid for people on the move at the Latvian - Belarus border has been seriously undermined by this trial. By criminalising solidarity, the authorities send a dangerous message: that human rights work is to be feared, not practiced. We refuse this logic. We must stand together, support the appeal, and make it unmistakably clear to the Latvian authorities that solidarity is not a crime. We will not be bystanders.
Why Your Support Matters
Championing Human Solidarity
Ieva’s actions reflect the best of humanity—caring when others face life-threatening peril. Her case challenges a disturbing trend: criminalizing humanitarian assistance.
Defending Legal Fairness
The appeal is our chance to overturn a conviction that punishes human rights work and potentially discourages other defenders from acting.
Funding Legal Expertise
Appeals are costly. Your contribution ensures Ieva has access to dedicated lawyers and resources to make her case before higher courts.
Standing with Human Rights Defenders
More than one person: your support sends a clear message that communities stand behind those who risk everything for the vulnerable.
How You Can Help
Donate - Every contribution, large or small, powers the appeal, legal fees, and campaign visibility.
Share - Spread Ieva’s story with your network. Awareness strengthens her defense.
Speak Out - A letter, or post of support for Ieva helps counter the chilling effect of this conviction.
A Few Words of Hope
“I stood up because silence in the face of suffering is not an option.”
That’s what Ieva’s actions - and convictions - remind us: when legal systems falter in compassion, it falls on individuals to persist. Let this appeal shout what the courts try to silence: solidarity cannot be sentenced. Join us in giving Ieva the support she deserves - and in proving that standing for human rights is never a crime.
