State Security Service ex-employee caught drink-driving goes to court over grounds for dismissal

Latvia's Administrative Regional Court has examined a dispute between the State Security Service, a state security institution, and a former employee of the service. After she was caught behind the wheel while heavily intoxicated and lost her special security clearance, the woman tried to have herself discharged because of her health condition rather than for failing to meet the requirements of her post.

Chain of events

The conflict stems from events that began in August 2024. According to the case materials, on 1 August 2024 the employee informed the service about mental health problems.

A couple of weeks later, on 12 August, the official was caught driving a car in a state of heavy intoxication. A blood alcohol level of 2.34 per mille was recorded, and a criminal case was opened over the incident.

What the dispute is about

The litigation concerns the proper basis on which the woman leaves the service: her health condition or a mismatch with the requirements of the position. According to the source, she sought discharge on health grounds.