Junior inspector detained for fatal beating of teacher in Priekule, LETA reports

A junior police inspector has been taken into custody in Priekule, Latvia, in connection with the fatal beating of a man. The Kurzeme District Court ordered the suspect, identified as junior inspector Andis Silnieks, to be held in pre-trial detention on Monday.

The Internal Security Bureau (IDB) is investigating the criminal case, which was transferred from the State Police. The incident, which occurred on July 26 in Priekule, South Kurzeme Municipality, involves a State Police official. The investigation is being conducted under Article 125, Part 3 of the Criminal Law, which pertains to causing intentional grievous bodily harm that results in the victim's death due to the perpetrator's negligence.

The victim has been identified as Normunds Vamzis, a respected educator and head of the "Clothing Design" program at Liepāja Music, Art, and Design Secondary School. Reports from eyewitnesses suggest the attack was exceptionally brutal, with one witness claiming the victim was killed with a single blow. Emergency medical services attempted to resuscitate Vamzis for approximately half an hour, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Silnieks, who has been in service since September 2022, had no prior disciplinary record. The incident reportedly occurred during a fight outside of working hours, amidst city festivities. The situation has prompted a response from Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, who stated he discussed the matter with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Jānis Dombravas. Dombravas has pledged to ensure a thorough and just investigation, emphasizing zero tolerance for such actions and calling for improvements in mechanisms to detect issues with alcohol or other intoxicating substances among officials.