Dombrava demands evaluation of 'Mucenieki' center head's responsibility

Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava (National Alliance) has voiced dissatisfaction with the work of Andželika Allika, head of the Mucenieki asylum-seeker accommodation center, and initiated an assessment of her liability for "systematic violations."

Dombrava said that last week two disturbances broke out at the center, requiring the involvement of specialized State Police units to prevent escalation. According to the minister, this indicates that the center's head has lost control over the situation.

In an interview with Latvian Radio on Friday morning, Allika described the situation as complex but stable, with only minor problems. She explained that the center is overcrowded—currently housing 483 asylum seekers against a maximum capacity of 450. The head denied receiving reports of security risks to staff or significant incidents.

Allika noted that residents are issued household items, including knives for food preparation, but security guards have not found them being used as threats. She also acknowledged that some residents aim for Western European countries, leading to cases of unauthorized departures.

Dombrava also criticized the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP), expecting progress in returning illegal immigrants who fraudulently obtained asylum-seeker status. Previously, the minister stated that "so-called asylum seekers" "mock" European humanitarianism and proposed deporting them to their countries of entry, disregarding EU norms. The NGO "Gribu palīdzēt bēgļiem" criticized these statements, reminding of Latvia's obligations as an EU member.

A new multifunctional center, "Bundulīši," has recently opened in Mucenieki, providing space for 200 asylum seekers at a cost of €1.8 million.