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.

• Riga Regional Court reviews a criminal case on instigation of racial hatred
• Saeimas Citizenship Law Implementation Committee discusses naturalisation with representatives of the Naturalisation Board
• MP (FF/LNIM) Juris Dobelis: loyalty towards the country is determined by the degree how strong a person loves the country
• Most popular parties in March: New Era, FHRUL, and FF/LNIM

Yesterday, the Riga Regional Court started revision of a criminal case against three young men allegedly accused in instigation of racial hatred. As reported, in July 2005, several persons physically assaulted an African American, who happened to be a staff member of the US embassy to Latvia. Although the police charged the three young men with hooliganism, the court reviews the case under Article of the Criminal Law which prohibits racial discrimination. The three accused do not plea guilty in racially motivated attack.

Yesterday, the Riga Regional Court started revision of a criminal case against three young men allegedly accused in instigation of racial hatred. As reported, in July 2005, several persons physically assaulted an African American, who happened to be a staff member of the US embassy to Latvia. Although the police charged the three young men with hooliganism, the court reviews the case under Article of the Criminal Law which prohibits racial discrimination. The three accused do not plea guilty in racially motivated attack. Rigas Balss

Yesterday, the Saeima’s Citizenship Law Implementation Committee discussed naturalisation with representatives of the Naturalisation Board. Representatives of the NB reported that about 27% of applicants for citizenship are not able to pass the naturalisation exams first time, however, they do not think that major changes should be brought into examination process. Nevertheless, they noted that the time period between the first and repeated examinations could be prolonged to six months, so the applicants would have more time to prepare.

Yesterday, the Saeimas Citizenship Law Implementation Committee discussed naturalisation with representatives of the Naturalisation Board. Representatives of the NB reported that about 27% of applicants for citizenship are not able to pass the naturalisation exams first time, however, they do not think that major changes should be brought into examination process. Nevertheless, they noted that the time period between the first and repeated examinations could be prolonged to six months, so the applicants would have more time to prepare. Telegraf

In an interview with

In an interview with Vesti Segodnya MP Juris Dobelis (FF/LNIM) stated that persons Latvian language proficiency and his/her love towards the state determines his/her loyalty towards the state. Juris Dobelis also believes that the naturalisation process must become stricter, as well as a number of persons who have already received Latvian citizenship should be examined.

According to a public opinion survey conducted by "Latvijas fakti," the party New Era would receive 14.3% of votes, For Human Rights in United Latvia – 9.5%, For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM – 8.5% if the Saeima elections were hold in March. People’s party (7%) and Union of Greens and Farmers (7%) would also pass the required 5 per cent barrier.

According to a public opinion survey conducted by "Latvijas fakti," the party New Era would receive 14.3% of votes, For Human Rights in United Latvia – 9.5%, For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM – 8.5% if the Saeima elections were hold in March. Peoples party (7%) and Union of Greens and Farmers (7%) would also pass the required 5 per cent barrier. Chas, Telegraf, Diena