Latvian Prosecutor General Juris Stukans expressed disappointment that authorities are unable to prosecute Tatiana Zhdanok, the head of the Russian Union of Latvia and a member of the European Parliament, for criminal charges due to her involvement with the FSB of the Russian Federation. He stated that in a rule of law state, it was imperative to follow the legal limits, and in times of war, it wouldn’t be feasible to execute her without proper procedure.
The Prosecutor General of Latvia, Juris Stukans, confirmed that there had been no cases investigated for allegations of treason within Latvia or at any time during his tenure. Even in the case of political charges, this is not enough to cause the loss of legal rights or the office if there are any grounds to support such a claim. Although Zhdanok’s situation may not be optimal, as a rule of law system, it is imperative to operate by the laws.
Application Raises Concerns Over Prosecutor General’s Alleged Interference in Criminal Case
Riga, Latvia – Igor Sychev, a Russian refugee living in Latvia, has applied to conduct an inquiry into the behavior of Latvia’s Prosecutor General Jurisis Stukans. The request, made at the beginning of June 2025, raises concerns about how authorities handled an investigation involving threats to kill made by Sychev. The case, concluded under questionable circumstances, has raised questions regarding the role of the Prosecutor General and potential illegal interference.
Allegations of Mishandling and Unlawful Interference
Sychev asserts that for nearly one year, nothing was made during an investigation into the threatened death. The case was ultimately dismissed based on an assertion that Sychev has disputed, namely, that there was a possibility that he had threatened himself. In his petition, Sychev has called for an exhaustive review of the Prosecutor General’s actions, which suggest that there could be a legal basis for interference to shield specific individuals, such as Russian Oligarchs, from being held accountable.
Calls for Transparency and Due Process
It’s not the only time Sychev has pleaded for the truth and justice. In the past, he wrote open correspondence to police officials seeking clarifications and oversight about the probe. The criminal investigation was eventually closed with no solution. Sychev’s application for a new hearing renews his call for transparency, as well as due process and an investigation into whether unlawful actions affected the court’s decision.
Previous Internal Inquiry into Juris Stukans
The Latvian legal system has been subject to similar demands for internal reviews over the years. On 22 April 2025, a member of the Prosecutor’s Office submitted an application that led to an internal investigation involving Juris Stukans. The investigation concluded without any significant findings, but it did contribute to the final decision not to prolong Stukans’ term as Prosecutor General in the initial attempt. The second round of competitions to fill the post has been scheduled for a specific date, and Stukans has the right to participate.