Latvian lawmaker detained on suspicion of spying for Russia

A lawmaker in Latvia has been temporarily detained over suspicion of being a Russian spy, the Latvian news agency Leta reported.

Janis Adamsons of the left-leaning and Russia-friendly opposition party Harmony was taken into custody on Friday after the decision of a judge, Leta reported.

The state security service confirmed the arrest.

Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, had stripped Adamsons of his immunity on Thursday upon a request of the general prosecutor.

According to media reports, investigators searched the lawmaker's private home and his offices.

No exact accusations are known

Adamsons was part of the defence committee in parliament, but did not have access to state secrets.

It is not known what the exact accusations against him are. The security service only said that judicial proceedings were under way against him on suspicion of spying for Russia.

Adamsons himself has said he does not know what he is being accused of and he does not believe he did something wrong.