The amendments were unanimously supported by 95 MPs present.
Until now, the most serious punishment for the threat of serious bodily harm and murder, as well as for persecution, was temporary deprivation of liberty (up to three months), probation supervision, community service, or fines.
Amendments to the Criminal Law state that this crime will possibly result in imprisonment for up to one year, and up to three years if the crime is committed against a spouse or former spouse, against a person with whom the person has a first or second-degree kinship or who has been in a permanent intimate relationship, or who has a joint (undivided) household. Previous punishments have also been maintained for these crimes: temporary deprivation of liberty, probation monitoring, community service, or fines.
Three years in prison will also apply if the perpetrator fails to comply with the ruling on protection against violence (restraining order).
The law will enter into force on July 15. It is still to be declared by the President of the State.
Meanwhile, the Jēkabpils murder suspect Rusiņš has still not been found.
