Riga Regional Court to Rehear Case on Latvia's Non-Participation in Expo Milano 2015

The Riga Regional Court will resume the criminal case against Roberts Stafeckis on December 1 at 9:30 AM in a closed session. Stafeckis is charged with dereliction of duty as a state official in relation to Latvia's participation in the Expo Milano 2015 exhibition, resulting in losses of €376,956 to the state.

The case was submitted to the court in 2018. In 2021, the Riga City Court found Stafeckis not guilty, and the appellate court also acquitted him. However, in 2024, the Supreme Court overturned the appellate court's verdict and sent the case back for a new trial.

Stafeckis was the project manager for Expo Milano 2015, a state official tasked with overseeing the project's implementation. According to the prosecution, he negligently failed to take necessary actions to prevent harm to the state. Specifically, he did not monitor the use of state budget funds, the artistic and organizational execution of the exhibition concept, nor did he organize or coordinate Latvia's participation in the exhibition.

The prosecution argues that Stafeckis's inaction caused severe consequences, including material damage to the state. He is charged under Article 319(3) of the Criminal Law, which for state official dereliction with grave consequences carries a penalty of up to five years' imprisonment, short-term imprisonment, community service, or a fine, as well as disqualification from holding certain positions for up to five years.