On 23 February 2021, Chapter of Orders decided to rescind the highest state honours, the Cross of Recognition, of a person found guilty of deliberate crime by the court.
Upon learning about a court sentencing by which a person holding the state honours has been convicted of a deliberate offence, Chapter of Orders convened to review the matter and relevant information according to the Law on State Decorations. It was, indeed, concluded that a recipient of state honours has been found guilty of a deliberate crime by a court.
Considering the circumstances and provisions of the Law on State Decorations, Chapter of Orders decided to revoke the highest state honours awarded to the person in a procedure prescribed by the law. Decision was adopted on 23 February 2021.
Law on State Decorations does not mandate the Chapter of Orders to conduct the re-evaluation of acts for which the honours have been bestowed, nor does it entitle the Chapter to assess the nature of the criminal offence. According to Article 48.1 of the Law on State Decorations, Chapter of Orders is legally required to forfeit the honours when a person has been found guilty of a deliberate crime by a court.
Chapter of Orders would like to point out that decisions on awarding and withdrawing of honours are political, and thus cannot be appealed against in an administrative court.
Chapter of Orders specifically reminds that the highest state decorations (Order of the Three Stars, Order of Viesturs and Cross of Recognition) represent the recognition of a person’s exceptional contribution to and in Latvia at the highest, the state level. It is a way to pay tribute, show respect and honour the individuals whose input in the development of Latvia and its society has been invaluable. State honours are a way to show the appreciation of their work at the national level.
State honours recognise life’s work of a person and at the same time oblige the recipient to continue aspiring to the same high standards also in future.