Minister of Justice: Latvia strengthens rule of law and international cooperation at the European level

In Strasbourg, during a working visit to France, Minister of Justice Inese Lībiņa-Egnere signed two significant Council of Europe instruments on behalf of the Republic of Latvia - the Convention on the Profession of Lawyer's Independence and Protection, and the Third Additional Protocol to the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters. Both instruments reinforce Latvia's role in European rule of law and international cooperation.

By joining the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Lawyer's Profession, Latvia strengthens the independence of lawyers internationally, thereby safeguarding citizens' rights to a fair trial and reliable legal representation. The Convention unites European countries under common standards guaranteeing lawyers' professional freedom and protection, allowing them to perform their work without undue interference or discrimination. It enhances the independence and professional autonomy of the legal profession and protects fundamental rights, including client confidentiality, freedom of expression, and protection against unwarranted searches or detention.

From now on, in addition to the Lawyers' Law, the Criminal Procedure Law, and other national regulations ensuring lawyers' professional independence and protection from external interference, the Convention will further strengthen these guarantees. Latvia thereby clearly demonstrates its commitment to enhancing lawyer protection and, in doing so, supporting democracy and the rule of law.

"Professional legal practice is essential in a democratic rule-of-law state. With this step, Latvia not only affirms its commitment to the rule of law but also demonstrates active participation in European initiatives that protect human rights and promote justice," emphasized Inese Lībiņa-Egnere.

By joining the Third Additional Protocol, Latvia participates in a modernized European criminal justice cooperation network. This enables investigators to exchange information more quickly and securely, use videoconferencing and electronic documents, and make cross-border cooperation more efficient-particularly in combating cybercrime, corruption, and terrorism. The Protocol also establishes common rules for using modern investigative methods, such as GPS tracking, audio and video recordings, or telecommunications interception, providing a clear legal framework for the use of technology in evidence collection across borders and strengthening the ability to prevent cyberattacks, terrorism, and other transnational crimes.

Latvia has already implemented several principles contained in the Protocol within its criminal procedural framework-for example, the Criminal Procedure Law allows remote questioning via videoconference. A Ministry of Justice expert working group will evaluate the necessary amendments to legislation to fully implement the Protocol's innovations and provide even more effective tools in the fight against crime.