State Police Defend Investigation into Krustkalnu Fire Following Wave of Criticism
The State Police has rejected allegations of inadequate investigation into the Krustkalnu tragedy, in which two children died. Criminal proceedings were terminated on 10 August; the decision has been appealed.
Police: Krustkalnu fire case investigated carefully and objectively
The State Police has rejected allegations of poor-quality investigation into the tragic Krustkalnu fire criminal case, reports Google News LV — Crime (lv). The police emphasised that the investigation had been conducted under prosecutor supervision from the outset.
In the course of the criminal proceedings, more than 25 persons were questioned, and several inspections and expert examinations were carried out — including a chemical and technical examination of the fire. A series of other procedural actions were also undertaken during the investigation.
Having evaluated all evidence obtained, witness testimony and expert opinions, the police decided on 10 August to terminate the criminal proceedings. The basis was that neither the criminal liability of natural persons nor that of legal entities was established, pursuant to the Criminal Procedure Law.
The supervising prosecutor, having repeatedly reviewed the criminal case materials, found no violations — neither delays in the investigation nor other deficiencies, the police indicated.
The police also clarified that, in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Law, the injured parties and their lawyer had no right to review the case materials until the investigation was completed. After the decision to terminate proceedings, these rights arose and were provided in the manner prescribed by law.
Since the decision to terminate the criminal proceedings is currently under appeal and has not come into force, the State Police will not provide more extensive comments in the interests of the investigation.
The police also expressed condolences to the families and relatives of those affected and those who died in the fire.
Allegations of deficiencies in the investigation were made to the mass media on Wednesday by Karina Landmesere, lawyer for the injured family. She indicated that the investigation into the fire in Krustkalnu village, Ķekava municipality, had contained a number of shortcomings. Two children died in the fire, whilst the children's mother and another child were injured.
Source: Google News LV — Crime (lv)