Jēkabpils Mayor Ragainis Charged with Unlicensed Storage of Pneumatic Weapon

Raivis Ragainis, the mayor of Jēkabpils and a representative of the Latvian Green Party, has been officially charged with illegal possession of a high-energy pneumatic weapon. According to the charge, the weapon was stored without the necessary license.

In response, Ragainis stated that the incident was a misunderstanding. He did not deny that the weapon was in his possession but emphasized that there was no intent to violate the law. Further details regarding the origin of the weapon or its usage have not been disclosed.

Bringing charges against a sitting local government leader is unusual and has drawn public attention in Jēkabpils. Latvian law on arms circulation imposes strict requirements, including mandatory registration and permits for certain types of weapons. Violations can lead to criminal liability.

The court will assess the validity of the charges in the near future. Ragainis has not indicated any intention to resign from his position, and the potential impact on his mayoral duties remains uncertain.