Police release former minister Uzulnieks without security measure
Monday 14th September 2026 on 10:01 in
Latvia
Former Latvian Welfare Minister Reinis Uzulnieks has been released from temporary detention without a security measure being imposed, the LETA news agency reported, citing the State Police. He could face up to one year in prison for the alleged offence.
The police said the driver was released on Sunday and that the vehicle had been seized. The agency did not identify the person by name, but Uzulnieks was detained after allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Amendments to Latvia’s Criminal Law that took effect in November 2022 introduced criminal liability for driving or teaching someone to drive when the alcohol concentration in exhaled air or blood exceeds 1.5 parts per thousand.
The law also provides for vehicle confiscation when its owner drives while heavily intoxicated or refuses to undergo a test for intoxicating substances. If the vehicle belongs to someone else, the guilty person may be required to pay all or part of its value. Confiscated vehicles are usually transferred to Ukraine’s defenders.
For this offence, the Criminal Law provides for up to one year in prison, probation supervision and the suspension of driving rights for five years.
After charges are filed, prosecutors can impose a penalty themselves, reach an agreement with the accused on an admission of guilt and punishment and ask a court to approve it, or send the case to court for trial under the general procedure.
Background
Police caught Uzulnieks driving under the influence in Ropaži Municipality on September 12, with more than three parts per thousand of alcohol detected in his breath. A criminal case was opened.
The Union of Greens and Farmers board recalled Uzulnieks from his ministerial post and he was also expelled from the Latvian Farmers’ Union, which is part of the alliance. Uldis Augulis was appointed acting welfare minister.
Uzulnieks is the top candidate on the Union of Greens and Farmers list in Zemgale for the parliamentary elections scheduled for October. Although he has been expelled from the party, he can no longer be removed from the election list.