Broka has tendered her resignation, underscoring that she is not guilty of the crimes imputed to her, and that her decision has been made to preserve the reputation of the University of Latvia.
University of Latvia pro-rector Ina Druviete confirmed in a conversation with LETA that Broka's resignation letter has been received. Druviete said that she respects Broka’s decision.
LETA has not yet managed to contact Broka.
It was previously reported that just recently Broka had secured a new position at the university – she was appointed as a legal affairs expert in the administration’s support group, according to TV3 news.
Broka had applied to this vacancy and Druviete appointed her to the position, the TV3 informed.
Ansis Grantiņš, head of the University of Latvia administration, told TV3 News that “Broka accepted the offer to work in the administration’s support group as a legal expert”. The University’s administration has consulted KNAB and has received confirmation that Broka can continue working in her capacity as legal expert. Broka will continue working on adjusting the university’s internal regulations, new sports study programs, and making administrative improvements, said Grantiņš.
Meanwhile, Druviete claimed in an interview with TV3 News that Broka was appointed to her new position at her own initiative. “As acting rector, I had a conversation with Baiba Broka. She voiced her wish to continue working at the University of Latvia not as vice-rector but in a lower position. Upon consulting KNAB we agreed that Broka can continue working in the University of Latvia administration’s support group as well as to do her academic work,” said Druviete.
It has also been reported that KNAB has banned Broka from working on the university's procurement commission or taking any decisions regarding supervision and control measures, Druviete told Latvian Television on July 16.
"As far as we understand from the letter, Broka is permitted to do her academic work," said Druviete.
It was also reported that KNAB has prohibited Broka from holding her office at the university and leaving the country.
The Corruption Prevention Bureau briefly detained Broka and the construction company Skonto Būve co-owners Guntis Rāvis and Ivars Millers as part of a criminal process over a 20 000 euro bribe.
The bureau had previously reported that it had acquired information on a public official who, as a deputy chairperson of a procurement commission, could have supported certain businesspersons by accepting a bribe, which was registered as a donation to a society. The bribe amount was at least 20 000 euros. BNS is aware, in fact, that the bribe money was registered as a donation to the Latvian Biathlon Federation, which is led by Broka.
In the last three years Latvian Biathlon Federation has received three donations worth of 20 000 euros. This includes one donation from SIA Roadeks, which is indirectly owned by Rāvis, according to information from Firmas.lv.
