Woman recovers compensation from Interior Ministry after 15-year legal battle over unlawful wiretapping
A woman living near Bauska had criminal proceedings initiated against her in 2010 for embezzlement. Police recorded almost a thousand of her private conversations, imposed 19 months of house arrest. Following an acquittal, the woman is now demanding compensation.
Woman recovers compensation from Interior Ministry after 15-year legal battle over unlawful wiretapping
In 2010, a woman living near Bauska had criminal proceedings initiated against her for embezzlement. During the investigation, law enforcement recorded almost a thousand of her private telephone conversations, including conversations with her lawyer, and imposed house arrest for 19 months, according to "Bez tabu".
The first instance court acquitted the woman, but the proceedings continued for a further 15 years. During this time, she experienced multiple interrogations, searches, appeals and cassation hearings. Now that the charges have been definitively dismissed, she has sued the Interior Ministry, demanding compensation for the violations committed by the state.
The legal proceedings examined how serious the violation was that police had recorded conversations between lawyer and client. Such conversations have been protected by attorney–client privilege. The woman sought compensation for both moral and material damages for years of stress.
The incident occurred in Latvia, and all those involved are local residents.
Source: TVNET