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Gennadiy KotovLatvian politician and human rights activist.
Date of Birth: 12.08.1957
Country:  Latvia |
Content:
- Juris Kotovs: A Latvian Politician and Human Rights Activist
- Professional Career
- Political Involvement
- Activism
- Legal Challenges
- Leadership
- Membership
- Recognition
Juris Kotovs: A Latvian Politician and Human Rights Activist
Early Life and EducationJuris Kotovs was born in Riga, Latvia, and graduated from Riga Secondary School No. 17 in 1974. In 1983, he received his law degree from the University of Latvia.
Professional Career
From 1988 to 1993, Kotovs worked at the Latvian Institute of Agricultural Economics. Prior to that, he was a research associate in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Latvia.
Political Involvement
Kotovs's political career began in 1993 when he became Co-Chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee. In 2001, he was elected to the Riga City Council, where he served until 2009.
Activism
Kotovs has been a vocal advocate for Russian schools in Latvia. In 2003, he became the Spokesperson for the Staff for the Defense of Russian Schools.
Legal Challenges
In 2006, Kotovs faced criminal charges for distributing anti-fascist leaflets illegally. However, the case was dismissed by the European Court of Human Rights.
Leadership
From 2005 to 2009, Kotovs served as Deputy Chairman of the Equal Rights Party and Deputy Chairman of the For Human Rights in United Latvia (ForHRUL) faction in the Riga City Council.
Membership
Kotovs has held various positions within the ForHRUL, including Member of the Executive Board (until 2007 and 2008-2009).
Recognition
Kotovs has received numerous awards for his human rights work, including the prestigious Latvian Freedom Fighter's Cross and the European Human Rights Prize.
