The Saeima's decision on consent to criminal prosecution was taken after hearing the report of the Saeima's Mandates, Ethics and Submissions Commission which had recommended waiving the deputy's immunity.
The move was approved by 83 of the Saeima's 100 deputies. Eight deputies did not vote and two abstained (in the Saeima voting system there is a difference).
As previously reported, Jakovins, who is also a general practitioner, is involved in a criminal case in which a lawyer – according to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) – illegally obtained a forged doctor's certificate to justify absence from a court hearing.
According to the rules of procedure of the Saeima, the Saeima must give its consent to the initiation of criminal prosecution, arrest, search or other legal action against one of its members. A member of the Saeima cannot be prosecuted without the consent of the Saeima, the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia stipulates.
It's not the first time Jakovins has ound himself under some unwanted scrutiny in Saeima. As reported by LSM earlier this year, he admitted doing his medical paperwork while sitting in the Saeima debating chamber.
