According to Ukrinform, ERR reports this.
The Prime Minister of Estonia, Kristen Mihal, criticized Latvia’s Saeima’s decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention on preventing violence against women and domestic violence.
According to Ukrinform, citing ERR, this position was publicly stated.
“The Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Mihal (Reform Party) criticized Latvia’s decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, stating that in the neighboring country there are political forces for whom women’s rights and safety have no value”
– Ukrinform
According to Mihal, the Istanbul Convention is an important protection tool that helps society and governments combat domestic violence.
“Based on conjectures and fabrications, they seek to devalue the significance of the agreement aimed at preventing violence against women. With loud, but false words they drown out those whose voices are quiet due to personal pain”
– Kristen Mihal
He noted that during his tenure as Minister of Justice he saw that the authorities and law enforcement agencies did not have a clear approach to fighting domestic violence, but the situation has been changed.
“Now the victim receives help, and the rapist is punished. This marks the end of an era when beating women was considered a family matter”
– Kristen Mihal
Mihal described Latvia’s decision as moving in the wrong direction and expressed support for his Latvian colleague Evici Silini, urging society to stand firmly on the side of the weakest.
Context of the events
As reported, the Latvian parliament after more than 13 hours of debate approved a decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, aimed at supporting victims of violence.