Prosecutors to examine Kanan Vishvanath’s citizenship case

Latvia’s Prosecutor’s Office will examine the circumstances surrounding the grant of citizenship to Kanan Vishvanath as part of its review of his wife Divya Vishvanath’s citizenship case, LSM reported.

The review will consider the role of officials from the Latvian Academy of Sciences, who recommended and supported Divya Vishvanath’s admission to Latvian citizenship for special merit. Prosecutors will assess the academy’s rights and responsibilities in putting forward people for citizenship.

Kanan Vishvanath was granted Latvian citizenship in 2023. Prosecutors said they would not open a separate review of his case because they cannot reassess or overturn a law in force. However, information about his citizenship will be considered alongside the existing review.

The Saeima approved citizenship for Indian-born scientist Divya Vishvanath on 15 October, citing her work with the Latvian Academy of Sciences to promote the use of artificial intelligence in pharmacy. After questions about her background emerged on social media, lawmakers passed a law on 22 October declaring the citizenship law invalid from the time it was adopted.

Tags: Latvia, citizenship, prosecution