University of Latvia University of Latvia The University of Latvia (LU) () is a state-run university located in Riga, Latvia. It was established in 1919. The university is ranked 701st–750th in the world, as well as 4th in the Baltic states after the University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Technology, and Vilnius University. The University of Latvia, initially named as the Higher School of Latvia () was founded on September 28, 1919 on the basis of the former Riga Polytechnic (founded in 1862). The first rector of the university was chemist Paul Walden. In 1923, the school received its current name with the
Capital punishment in Latvia capital punishment for wartime murder, until it abolished it in 2012. Latvia acceded to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 2013. Capital punishment in Latvia Capital punishment in Latvia was abolished for ordinary crimes in 1999 and for crimes committed during wartime in 2012. Latvia is party to several international instruments which ban the capital punishment. Latvia regained independence in 1991 after the fall of the Soviet Union. Subsequently, the death penalty in civilian cases was reserved for murder and the only method of execution, as during Soviet times, was shooting with