Assaulting an employee of the Emergency Medical Service (NMPD) is planned to be punished in the same way as assaulting a public official. This procedure was approved by the Legal Commission of the Saeima of Latvia, which supported the amendments to the Criminal Code in the third reading.
As reported by the press service of the Saeima, the aim of the bill is to ensure a higher level of protection for emergency medical personnel who work daily in high-risk conditions and often face aggression or violence from the people they assist.
The amendments stipulate that for an assault on an NMPD employee committed in connection with the performance of their official duties, the offender can be prosecuted criminally just like for an assault on a public official. Such a crime may carry a prison sentence of up to five years, short-term imprisonment, or probation supervision.
Additionally, it is proposed to strengthen accountability for offenses related to the actions of public officials. The bill adds a new article to the Criminal Code, providing for criminal liability in cases where a public official accepts prohibited gifts or other benefits. Liability will arise if a person gives or an official accepts a benefit amounting to three minimum monthly salaries, knowing that the relevant institution has made decisions in favor of the donor within the last three years.
For the changes to take effect, the bill must be finally approved by the Saeima.
