Investigation into Jūrmala Joma Street fight completed, case sent to prosecutors

The State Police of Latvia have completed their investigation into a conflict on Joma Street in Jūrmala in which a man was physically harmed on 30 May this year. On 6 November, the case files were handed to the Pierīga prosecutor's office, which will decide on starting criminal prosecution.

The incident and detention

The Jūrmala precinct of the State Police Riga Region Department received information about the conflict on 30 May. Officers detained a young man born in 2006 the same day and launched criminal proceedings.

The investigation established that the conflict arose spontaneously between the people involved. It stemmed from verbal, personally offensive remarks that escalated into a physical altercation. The detained person had not previously come to the attention of the police.

Preventive measure

The young man was initially placed under police supervision and banned from leaving the country. This was later changed to a requirement to stay at a specified location, while the ban on leaving the country remained.

Change of classification

The criminal proceedings were originally opened under Section 125, Part 1 of the Criminal Law, which covers intentional grievous bodily harm. After the circumstances were clarified, the case was reclassified under Section 231, Part 2 – hooliganism involving bodily harm to the victim.

This offence is punishable by up to five years' imprisonment, short-term imprisonment, probationary supervision, community service or a fine.

The State Police remind the public that no one is considered guilty until their guilt in committing a criminal offence has been proven in the manner prescribed by law.