Academy professor in Latvia faced with charges of sexual misconduct
The State Police launched an investigation into Maris Kupčs, a lecturer at the JVLMA, following an application from the Rector on March 13, 2024. The investigation was initiated after information suggesting potential criminal offenses was uncovered.
According to the investigation, Kupčs held a monopoly in the music sector, with every student depending on his opinion during their studies and beyond. This influence extended to current and former students who were involved in the realization of events he organized.
The criminal proceedings were forwarded to the Prosecutor's Office of the Riga Court District for prosecution on January 24 this year. Evidence was gathered to prosecute Kupčs under Article 159(1) and Article 160(1) of the Latvian Criminal Law, which pertain to sexual harassment and rape or sexual violation, respectively.
As of my knowledge cutoff date in June 2024, there is no publicly available information regarding sexual harassment or rape allegations involving Kupčs at the JVLMA, nor any related criminal proceedings under these articles.
However, it is reported that at least five female students are suspected to be victims of sexual offenses, but only two have agreed to cooperate with the police. One of the female students has been a victim for a long period of time - 10 years.
The lecturer's influence over the students is believed to have been such that they were afraid to complain or reveal the facts. Kupčs is said to have carried out various kinds of sexual acts against the will of the female students.
The lecturer, Māris Kupčs, is the head of the Department of Ancient Music at the JVLMA. He is one of the most influential musicians in the field, involved in the organization and implementation of several projects and music events in Latvia and other Baltic States.
During the pre-trial investigation, several interrogations and interviews were conducted. The Prosecutor General's Office has stated that evidence has been gathered to prosecute Kupčs.
On March 8, 2024, Latvian Television program "Kultūršoks" aired a story about sexual harassment at the JVLMA, featuring 7 anonymous interviewees. The program did not specifically name Kupčs but raised concerns about inappropriate behavior at the academy.
A precautionary measure - a ban on a certain occupation - was imposed, preventing Kupčs from continuing to perform his duties at the educational institution. The outcome of the criminal proceedings is yet to be determined.
- The media outlet, Latvian Television, reported an investigation into sexual harassment at the JVLMA, featuring anonymous interviewees, on their program "Kultūršoks" on March 8, 2024.
- Despite evidence gathered against Maris Kupčs, who is the head of the Department of Ancient Music at the JVLMA and one of the most influential musicians in the field, there is no publicly available information about any sexual harassment or rape allegations involving him at the academy as of June 2024.
- The criminal proceedings against Kupčs were forwarded to the Prosecutor's Office of the Riga Court District for prosecution, involving investigations under Article 159(1) and Article 160(1) of the Latvian Criminal Law, which address sexual harassment and rape or sexual violation respectively.
- According to the investigation, at least five female students are suspected to be victims of sexual offenses, but only two have agreed to cooperate with the police, with one of the victims being a long-term victim for 10 years.
- The influence that Kupčs held over his students is believed to have played a role in preventing them from reporting or revealing the facts concerning the sexual offenses.
