Suspended Mayor Bartaševics plans to challenge his dismissal and the state's refusal to grant him security clearance, citing a lack of valid grounds from the minister's decision.
Bartaševics confirmed his intention to take legal action against the decision made by Minister of Smart Governance and Regional Development Raimonds Čudars to suspend him from office. He has also prepared documents to contest the decision by the State Security Service (VDD) regarding his denied security clearance. Bartaševics emphasizes that the minister's order lacks rebuttals to his explanations and claims that he is a legitimate chairman elected with a significant majority.
Bartaševics explained that the reason for the denial of security clearance, as cited by the VDD, relates to ongoing criminal proceedings against him. He stated that these cases are still under review in the first instance, with the next hearing scheduled for March. He raised concerns over the minister's approach, suggesting that the presumption of innocence seems to be disregarded in the case of his clearance denial, which he believes undermines his legal standing.
Despite the challenges he faces, Bartaševics is prepared to appeal any negative decisions regarding his security clearance. He argues that the current situation reflects a broader issue of how the presumption of innocence is interpreted and applied, particularly in relation to administrative decisions, which could have implications for other officials facing similar circumstances.
