Woman Shot at Vakarbuļļi Beach Disputes Police Finding Linking Bullet to Military Training

A woman who was hit by a bullet on the Vakarbuļļi beach in Riga in early March has received a police decision to terminate the criminal proceedings. According to the police findings, the shot most likely came from live-fire training at a nearby military base of the National Armed Forces (NBS). The woman, whose name was changed in the publication and who is called Mudīte, cannot accept the decision.

What happened

In the spring, Mudīte was walking to the sea with a friend when she felt sharp pain in her back. Doctors found a bullet in her body, close to the spine. It was later removed in surgery, and she filed a complaint with police, handing over her pierced clothing and the extracted bullet.

As she recounts it, the police decision states that the bullet was examined and the weapon it was most likely fired from was identified. The shot was reportedly fired through carelessness, so no criminal offence was seen. It was not aimed directly at her, and the bullet may have ricocheted off something before hitting her.

Consequences and costs

After surgery Mudīte spent ten days in hospital. Rehabilitation continues, she still takes medication, and everyday tasks such as washing dishes are difficult. Together with her family doctor she decided to apply for a disability group. She has already spent several hundred euros on treatment, has received no support from anyone, and must now also pay a lawyer. Her lawyer is not commenting further and is awaiting a court decision.

The Ombudsman's view

The Ombudsman's Office has not assessed the specific case but gave general information. A decision to close criminal proceedings does not mean that no harm was done, and it can be appealed by submitting a complaint to the prosecutor supervising criminal proceedings. State compensation for victims applies to moderate and serious bodily injuries, whereas here the injuries were classified as minor; however, the Criminal Procedure Law allows a repeat expert examination. The possibility of seeking compensation from the responsible state institution should also be assessed.