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.

• Call to deny permission to hold commemorative processions of the Latvian WWII legionaries on 16 March
• Journalist Karlis Streips criticises the political party All for Latvia! for their nationalistic ideas
• Latvian language teacher calls students Russian pigs
• Minister of Interior will report on the Asylum and Migration Regulation System

People, who took part in protest actions against holding commemorative processions of Latvian WW II legionnaires last year, asked the Riga City Council’s Chairman Aivars Aksenoks and the executive director Eriks Skapars not to issue permission to hold commemorative processions of the Latvian WWII legionaries on 16 March. “We consider that such events provoke rebirth of Nazism… processions contradicts the principles of democracy and fosters ideas of xenophobia and fascism,” stated protesters.

People, who took part in protest actions against holding commemorative processions of Latvian WW II legionnaires last year, asked the Riga City Councils Chairman Aivars Aksenoks and the executive director Eriks Skapars not to issue permission to hold commemorative processions of the Latvian WWII legionaries on 16 March. We consider that such events provoke rebirth of Nazism… processions contradicts the principles of democracy and fosters ideas of xenophobia and fascism, stated protesters. Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Avize

Latvian journalist Karlis Streips criticised the political party “All for Latvia!” for their nationalistic stances on the Internet portal www.apollo.lv. Karlis Streips wrote that that if nationalists acquire support for their ideas to repatriate all non-Latvians and close borders for guest workers from Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia, it would result in economic catastrophe. He also believes that the party’s slogan “Power should be returned to Latvians” is not topical, because the majority of members of the governing coalition already are Latvians. He also noted that many recently naturalised Latvian citizens vote for so-called Russian parties because governing parties do not want to address to them.” He also criticised holding of commemorative processions of Latvian WWII legionaries on 16 March.

Latvian journalist Karlis Streips criticised the political party All for Latvia! for their nationalistic stances on the Internet portal www.apollo.lv. Karlis Streips wrote that that if nationalists acquire support for their ideas to repatriate all non-Latvians and close borders for guest workers from Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia, it would result in economic catastrophe. He also believes that the partys slogan Power should be returned to Latvians is not topical, because the majority of members of the governing coalition already are Latvians. He also noted that many recently naturalised Latvian citizens vote for so-called Russian parties because governing parties do not want to address to them. He also criticised holding of commemorative processions of Latvian WWII legionaries on 16 March. Vesti Segodnya

Chas and Vesti Segodnya print an article about a case at a Russian language school, where a Latvian language teacher called students Russian pigs and little pieces of shit. Parents of children complained about the teacher to the school administration and asked resignation of the teacher. However, the director of the school claimed that according to legislation the teacher might be dismissed only after s/he has received three verbal warnings.

Tomorrow, the Minister of Interior Dzintars Jaundzeikars on the session of the Cabinet of Ministers will report on the “Asylum and Migration Regulation System.”

Tomorrow, the Minister of Interior Dzintars Jaundzeikars on the session of the Cabinet of Ministers will report on the Asylum and Migration Regulation System. Vesti Segodnya