Ex-mayor of Ventspils retains honorary University of Latvia member status for now

Chairman of the Senate of the University of Latvia Kristaps Jaudzems submitted a proposal to annul ex-Mayor of Ventspils Aivars Lembergs’ honorary University of Latvia member status, but it did not gain support.
As Jaudzems wrote on Twitter, because of this he has submitted a request to relieve him of his duties as LU Senate chairman.
14 senators voted in favour, four voted against and 19 abstained in the vote, as reported by Latvijas Avīze.
Former Saeima deputy Lolita Čigāne comments that in this case «the inability to stand on the side of truth and justice is a shameful display by the University of Latvia».
LU Principal Prof. Indriķis Muižnieks believes the Senate may view this issue again if a legally accurate legislative project is submitted, according to information published on LU website.
The issue of honorary doctorate degree and honorary member status is regulated by a special procedure, which involves an in-depth analysis and evaluation of nominees or their contribution, according to LU representatives.
With Jaudzems’ decision to step down, the duties of the chairman of the Senate will go to vice-chairman Prof. Dace Balode. The next meeting of LU Senate is scheduled for 25 April.
As it is know, the court of first instance in Latvia found Lembergs guilty of numerous crimes of corruption committed against the Latvian state. After the end of his trial, Lembergs was put under arrest in the court room.
Aivars Lembergs spent a year in prison, then he was released on what the prosecutors called «unreasonably small bail» due to «health problems».
It is also reported that in his interview published on ventasbalss.lv, Lembergs, when asked about any way of avoiding a horror scenario in Russia’s war in Ukraine, said the solution would be «sitting down at the same table with Putin». The politician also provided an in-depth opinion on this topic, claiming among other things that «unfortunately the west refused to negotiate with Russia» in this area. It should be reminded here that several western leaders regularly communicate with Putin.
After this statement from Lembergs the Union of Greens and Farmers decided to distance itself from him.