Riga Castle Meeting: Liepāja Prison Ready to Welcome Not New Inmates, but Historic Justice

While important talks about historic justice are taking place at the Presidential Palace in Riga, Liepāja once again finds itself in a central role. The Justice Minister and President are discussing not only the rehabilitation of victims of Soviet-era psychiatric repressions, but also the future of our city's prison.

"Finally someone remembers that Liepāja has not only trams and Karosta, but also a prison," comments local lawyer Aldis. "In Riga they think everything important only happens there, but actually Liepāja's prison will be the most modern in all of the Baltics."

Particularly interesting that the meeting is happening precisely when it's pouring rain outside — a typical Liepāja day, when even serious political conversations seem a bit surreal. The President and Minister are also discussing plans for building a new women's prison, which shows that Liepāja is becoming a real prison capital.

"At least our inmates will be able to hear the sea waves," philosophically notes local café owner Dace. "In Riga they only have car noise and smog." Meanwhile, monitoring Constitutional Court rulings remains Riga's responsibility — because where else would you monitor something that doesn't get implemented anyway.

The only question is — will the new prisons be equipped with quality heating? Because winters in Liepāja are such that even well-meaning inmates start doubting their choices.