Previously, the waiver of parliamentary immunity requested by Latvia for Members of the European Parliament Usakovs and Andris Ameriks was examined by the Committee on Legal Affairs of the European Parliament.
Unofficial information showed that the European Parliament Committee recommended that parliamentary immunity should not be waived and that the committee vote had been overwhelming. The Committee therefore considers that parliamentary immunity should be maintained for both Members.
Evidence gathered by the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau shows that the former Chairman of Rīga City Council Ušakovs and his deputy requested a large amount of bribe from a natural person, the sub-owner of the minibus passenger transport company RMS, using their position as the local government's leading officials. Ušakovs maintains the accusations are politically motivated.
