Latvian Police Officer Charged after Fatal Assault in Priekule

Police inspector Andis Silnieks was detained and placed in pre‑trial custody after a violent assault that killed schoolteacher Normunds Vamzis during a city celebration in Priekule, Latvia. The victim, a teacher and head of the clothing‑design programme at Liepāja Music, Arts and Design High School, died despite emergency medical assistance.

The Internal Security Service (IDB) opened a criminal investigation under Article 125, third part of the Criminal Code for causing grave bodily injury resulting in death. Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava and Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said the case would be investigated objectively and without leniency. Silnieks, who has served since September 2022 and has no prior disciplinary record, was reportedly heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident. Police chief Armands Ruks expressed condolences to the victim’s family and affirmed that the officer will be held accountable under the law.