Latvia plans to suspend civil servants earlier in criminal cases

Latvia’s government has backed amendments that would allow agencies to suspend civil servants involved in criminal proceedings once they are recognised as suspects, LSM reports. Currently, suspension without pay is possible only after criminal prosecution has begun.

Suspension would not be automatic. The head of the institution would have to assess each case individually and explain why the civil servant’s continued work could threaten public or state interests. The decision would have to be reviewed at least once every two years, and the civil servant could challenge it in court.

Suspension would be mandatory if a civil servant were placed in custody, house arrest or another measure involving deprivation of liberty. If the criminal proceedings were later terminated with a decision clearing the person, or if the civil servant were acquitted, the person would receive the salary lost during the suspension.

The amendments were developed after the detention of 21 people this spring, including state officials, over suspected fraud in information technology procurement. The issue was raised by then Prime Minister Evika Siliņa of New Unity, who called for a review of the grounds for suspending civil servants linked to criminal investigations and the possible length of such suspensions.

The government approved the bill without objections. It must still be reviewed by the Saeima.