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Reports

October 30th - November 5th, 2023 by Otto Tabuns

Latvia Weekly: Istanbul Convention and LGBTQ 

From the findings of the examined week, similar disinformation narratives to prior weeks have been followed. The main topic discussed throughout the content of various authors across several platforms is the Istanbul Convention. As the Latvian parliament moved closer to allowing the registration of same-sex partnerships, disinformation from authors close to the opposition parties or within the opposition parties themselves followed. The content examined tends to group the Istanbul Convention and same-sex partnerships under one roof despite the former addressing issues of domestic violence against women which has nothing in common with the latter. The main narratives include that the Istanbul Convention will somehow affect children's teaching, which will be harmful. Additionally, a common narrative is that the United States is paying for the "lgbt propaganda" which is reflected in same-sex partnerships and the Istanbul Convention. However, when examining the sources to which the authors making such posts refer they lead to the United States government sites in which they talk about the budget given to fighting inequality of gender pay which has nothing to do with the lgbt movement. 

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October 23rd - October 29th, 2023 by Otto Tabuns

Latvia Weekly: Israel and Distrust in Government

This week’s disinformation was largely focused on internal issues, highlighting corruption and a pervasive distrust in government. While Telegram channels discussed the armed conflict between Israel and Palestine, these topics saw limited audience reach and engagement. The narratives imply a preparation for crisis by government officials at the expense of the public, alongside international issues being tied to local disinformation themes.​

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October 2nd - October 8th, 2023 by Urtė Andriukaitytė

Lithuania Weekly: Distrust in Officials and Confusion between Private and Public Interests

Analysis of specifically Kremlin-aligned media in Lithuania revealed that these outlets continued to promote the anti-government narrative. All most engaged stories from this type of media outlet carried negative sentiments targeting the government, trying to turn its audience against the main ruling politicians or national institutions. In the centre of attention this week - Lithuanian Chief of Defence General Valdemaras Rupšys, who made headlines due to revelations about the (mis)use of his state allowance, which he used to rent an apartment from his son. Kremlin-aligned media, whose interest greatly corresponds with anti-government sentiments, widely covered this topic, emphasising the confusion between public and private interests. The authors used the situation to question the general’s morals, negatively picturing not only him, but the whole ruling government and governance system in general. Kremlin-aligned media constantly use similar narratives to draw wider pictures at the national level, beyond single cases. 

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October 2nd - October 8th, 2023 by Olevs Nikers

Estonia Weekly: Security, Taxation and Trade Challenges

This week reflects the main processes in the world and national politics. Activity in social media is focused on security challenges within Estonian society, threats were received in Estonian schools, that were directed to physical security, questioning whether if there is relation to the Russian propaganda and other relate forces. A legislation was adopted with regards to the vehicle taxation policy, which is regarded by different opinions in the society. South Korea earned the attention over the social media, that Estonia could benefit to the South Korean and European trade. Many posts are related to the situation in Israel. The main narratives are naming the national security services as incompetent, that national vehicle taxation policy is a fail. and will lead to collapse of the market, US is dominating in the world politics only for its narrow economic and political interests, that Estonian politicians are incompetent in the domain of the world trade and economy, that state of Israel is a fail of US hegemonic policies of the cold war era and Estonian government is working against Estonian people

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