RIGA, June 11 (LETA) - After interviews with three candidates for the post of the prosecutor general, the Judicial Council has decided to announce a new competition for the post, Supreme Court President and head of the Judicial Council Aigars Strupiss told reporters on Wednesday.

The decision was taken because none of the three candidates received the required number of the Judicial Council members' votes, explained Strupiss.

As reported, the competition for the post of prosecutor general was announced because the current Prosecutor General Juris Stukans' term of office ends on July 11.

The three candidates assessed by the Judicial Council were Stukans, chief prosecutor Aivars Ostapko, and prosecutor Uvis Kozlovskis.

According to the Office of the Prosecutor Law, the prosecutor general is appointed by Saeima for a term of five years upon proposal of the Judicial Council. The same person may be the prosecutor general for not more than two consecutive terms.

The Saeima unanimously approved Stukans as Prosecutor General on June 18, 2020.

As reported, a whistleblower report was submitted in late February over Stukans' actions concerning the case of former prime minister Krisjanis Karins' special flights. Prosecutor Viorika Jirgena was the whistleblower in this case.

However, the Supreme Court after an investigation found no sufficient grounds for dismissal of Stukans.