Juris Dobelis

Juris Dobelis, born on July 8, 1940, is a prominent Latvian politician and a key figure in the country’s struggle for independence from Soviet rule. He was a member of the Latvian Parliament during pivotal moments in the early 1990s, advocating for national sovereignty and often taking a hardline stance against perceived threats from Russia. Dobelis is remembered for his passionate speeches and actions, including his involvement in the symbolic arrest of Russian generals in 1994, which underscored his commitment to Latvia's independence. Despite stepping back from active politics in 2010, his legacy as a fierce advocate for Latvian nationalism continues to resonate.