Attorney asks court to release Lembergs from prison on the grounds of poor health

RIGA - Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs' attorney Maris Grudulis has asked the Riga Regional Court to release Lembergs from prison on the grounds of poor health, LETA learned at the court.

The court told LETA, however, that Lembergs' arrest would not be revised until a full version of the verdict is released.

So far, Lembergs, his attorneys and the prosecutor's office have all requested the court to release a full verdict. Lembergs' prison sentence can only be appealed after the full verdict is released.

The court has 14 days to prepare the full verdict but, if necessary, work on the full verdict may continue for another 14 days.

As reported, Riga Regional Court last week slapped a five-year jail term, confiscation of property and a EUR 20,000 fine on Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs.

Lembergs was arrested at the court room. The court, however, will take into account the time Lembergs has already spent in arrest - from March 14 until July 10, 2007, and in house arrest - from July 10, 2007, until February 22, 2008.

The court also ruled that Lembergs has to pay large sums to several victims in the case.

In relation to some charges Lembergs was acquitted.