The Prime Minister of Estonia, Kristen Mihal, criticized the decision of the Latvian Saeima to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, ERR reports.
According to Mihal, the convention is an important protective tool that helps society and states combat domestic violence.
"Based on speculation and fabrications, they are trying to downplay the significance of the agreement aimed at preventing violence against women. Loud but false words drown out those whose voices are quiet due to personal pain," noted the Prime Minister of Estonia.
He recalled that during his tenure as Minister of Justice, he saw how authorities and law enforcement did not have a clear approach to combating domestic violence, but the situation was changed.
"Now the victim receives help, and the abuser faces punishment. The era when beating women was considered a family matter has ended," emphasized the Prime Minister.
Mihal called the decision of the Latvian Saeima "a move in the wrong direction" and expressed support for his Latvian colleague Evika Silina, urging society to firmly stand by the weakest.
This week, the Latvian Saeima passed a bill on the denunciation of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence.
Now, the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, must decide whether to approve the law or return it for reconsideration to the Saeima.
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