Latvian Justice Minister Edwards Smiltenš has demanded that the Prison Administration provide a detailed report by June 10, 2026, regarding the death of a minor inmate in the Olaine prison hospital, as well as the situation concerning deaths and suicides in Latvian prisons overall.
The corresponding order was issued following the suicide of a minor in the Olaine prison hospital and against the backdrop of alarming mortality statistics in places of detention, bb.lv was informed by the Ministry of Justice, which oversees correctional facilities.
Since 2021, more than one hundred people have died in Latvian prisons: on average, this is about two deaths per month. In 2021, 25 inmates died, in 2022 — 29, in 2023 — 22, in 2024 — 29, and last year — 32. This year, until April, seven more convicts have died.
In 2025, most deaths were related to illnesses, including oncological diseases, liver cirrhosis, acute cardiovascular diseases, and HIV.
Last year, 12 people committed suicide, and in one case, the cause of death is still being determined.
"I consider it my duty to ensure complete clarity regarding what happened and to make sure that concrete conclusions are drawn from such cases," emphasized Justice Minister Edwards Smiltenš, commenting on the suicide of the minor.
The minister demanded information about the circumstances of this case and the actions of the institution before and after the incident, as well as data on all deaths, including suicides, that occurred in places of detention in 2025 and the first five months of 2026.
In addition, the Prison Administration must present a report on measures already implemented in the area of mental health for juvenile inmates, assessment and prevention of suicide risk, as well as planned improvements in security and supervision.
