Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.

• The police will reinforce patrols in the centre of Riga due to the racially motivated attacks
• The New Era: Nils Muiznieks cannot be approved for the post of the LNHRO director

Following the instruction of the Minister of Interior Eriks Jekabsons, the police decided to reinforce police patrols in the centre of Riga, especially in the Old Town. This decision was prompted by recent allegedly racially motivated incidents. Since yesterday, English-speaking policemen are also on duty in the two police departments in the centre of Riga. According to the statistics, during the first six months of this year the police have initiated five criminal cases, but the Prosecutor’s General Office – one criminal case for the incitement to racial or ethnic hatred. Three criminal cases have been forwarded to the Prosecutor’s General Office for criminal prosecution, and in two of these cases the court issued a verdict. Only one criminal case for incitement to racial or ethnic hatred was initiated during the last year.

Following the instruction of the Minister of Interior Eriks Jekabsons, the police decided to reinforce police patrols in the centre of Riga, especially in the Old Town. This decision was prompted by recent allegedly racially motivated incidents. Since yesterday, English-speaking policemen are also on duty in the two police departments in the centre of Riga. According to the statistics, during the first six months of this year the police have initiated five criminal cases, but the Prosecutors General Office – one criminal case for the incitement to racial or ethnic hatred. Three criminal cases have been forwarded to the Prosecutors General Office for criminal prosecution, and in two of these cases the court issued a verdict. Only one criminal case for incitement to racial or ethnic hatred was initiated during the last year. Latvijas Avize also features a discussion among legal experts on indicators of the incitement to the national hatred. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Despite the fact that Nils Muiznieks was recognised as the most qualified candidate for the post of the director of the Latvian National Human Rights Office (LNHRO) by the selection committee, the party New Era stated yesterday that Muiznieks cannot be approved for this post due to his affiliation with the Latvia’s First Party (LFP). The New Era’s statement raised a question about a possible disagreement in the governing coalition. Nils Muiznieks expressed readiness to discontinue his membership in the LFP prior to the Saeima voting for the new director of the LNHRO.

Despite the fact that Nils Muiznieks was recognised as the most qualified candidate for the post of the director of the Latvian National Human Rights Office (LNHRO) by the selection committee, the party New Era stated yesterday that Muiznieks cannot be approved for this post due to his affiliation with the Latvias First Party (LFP). The New Eras statement raised a question about a possible disagreement in the governing coalition. Nils Muiznieks expressed readiness to discontinue his membership in the LFP prior to the Saeima voting for the new director of the LNHRO. Latvijas Avize