The LETA news agency reports that the accusations involve former MP (and one-time Prime Ministerial nominee) Aldis Gobzems, who has now reportedly changed his name to ‘Arigo Toro’, though no names have officially been made public.
Two persons have been charged in the criminal proceedings. One of the accused claimed that the victim was responsible for the break-up of his marriage and the departure of his wife from the family. He therefore intended to publish fictitious statements on the social networking sites Facebook and Instagram, as well as on the Telegram app, in order to obtain material benefits from the victim – in esssence, blackmail via social media.
The initial demand, without any legal basis, was for between EUR 15,000 and EUR 20,000, but the amount later rose to EUR 200,000.
By mutual agreement between the two defendants, the other allegedly became involved as an intermediary.
As the victim did not pay the money demanded, one of the defendants, acting on the threat made, repeatedly published defamatory information about the victim.
In addition, one of the accused allegedly intentionally disseminated a deliberately false, defamatory fabrication in the media, defaming other persons.
Both accused persons plead not guilty to the offence. Three persons have been recognised as victims in the criminal proceedings.
The Prosecutor’s Office points out that no person is considered guilty until his/her guilt of a criminal offence is established in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Criminal Procedure Law.
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