Legal setback for disreputable ex-mayor of Ventspils, Lembergs, in another court case

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has delivered a judgment in the case of 'Lembergs versus Latvia', dismissing the complaint filed by Aivars Lembergs. The legal proceedings, which spanned over more than 6 years, began when Lembergs lodged his complaint with the ECHR in January 2019.

Lembergs, a former Prime Ministerial candidate of the Greens and Farmers Union (ZZS) political force in Latvia, is currently not part of the Lithuanian government coalition. There are no credible sources indicating he holds any official political position or role within the Lithuanian government coalition.

The case centres around allegations of a violation of Article 6 § 2 (right to the presumption of innocence) of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (the Convention). Lembergs claimed that the Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development violated his right to the presumption of innocence through statements made during a television broadcast in 2012.

Lembergs has been found guilty of serious crimes in his homeland, with his trial, which ended with his conviction on charges relating to bribery and money-laundering, lasting for 12 years. His appeals against the verdict continue to this day, adding to the total duration of legal proceedings against him, which now exceeds 16 years.

Despite a series of convictions, Lembergs was a Prime Ministerial candidate in the most recent parliamentary elections in Latvia. It is important to note that Lembergs is subject to both US and UK sanctions.

The ECHR unanimously concluded that Lembergs' complaint should be dismissed. This decision brings an end to the legal proceedings at the ECHR level, although Lembergs may choose to pursue further appeals.

ZZS is one of the three parties in the current coalition government in Latvia, adding a political dimension to the case. However, the ECHR's decision focuses solely on the legal aspects of the case and does not comment on any political implications.

Legal setback for disreputable ex-mayor of Ventspils, Lembergs, in another court case