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 has started hearing of neo-Nazi Andris Jordanss case charged with incitement to ethnic hatred
• The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the draft amendments to the Consumers Rights Protection Law which stipulate prohibition of discrimination
• Saeima again will review the proposal to grant non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections
• NGO Latvian Anti-fascist Committee has submitted an application to the Riga City Council to hold a procession in the centre of Riga on 16 March
• Diena prints an article by the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Oskars Kastens about proposal to allow dual citizenship

Yesterday, the Riga Regional Court has started hearings in case of neo-Nazi Andris Jordans, who is charged with incitement to ethnic hatred. As reported, at a public discussion in February 2007, Andris Jordans has stated that Jews and Roma people are ‘non-humans’ and it would be preferable to exterminate them. According to an independent expert on Roma issues Vanda Zamicka-Bergendale who has witnessed against the neo-Nazi Andris Jordans at the court’s hearing, Roma people are often assaulted by neo-Nazis, however, Roma are afraid to turn to the police.

Yesterday, the Riga Regional Court has started hearings in case of neo-Nazi Andris Jordans, who is charged with incitement to ethnic hatred. As reported, at a public discussion in February 2007, Andris Jordans has stated that Jews and Roma people are ‘non-humans and it would be preferable to exterminate them. According to an independent expert on Roma issues Vanda Zamicka-Bergendale who has witnessed against the neo-Nazi Andris Jordans at the courts hearing, Roma people are often assaulted by neo-Nazis, however, Roma are afraid to turn to the police. Chas

Yesterday, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the draft amendments to the Consumers Rights Protection Law which stipulate prohibition of ethnic, racial or gender discrimination.

Yesterday, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the draft amendments to the Consumers Rights Protection Law which stipulate prohibition of ethnic, racial or gender discrimination. Telegraf

Chas reports that tomorrow, the Saeima again will review the proposal to grant non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections. The Latvian Human Rights Committee is planning to hold a picket near the Saeima building in support of non-citizens rights.

NGO “Latvian Anti-fascist Committee” has submitted an application to the Riga City Council to hold a procession in the centre of Riga on 16 March. As reported, several national radical organisations are planning to hold commemorative processions in honour of Latvian Waffen SS legionaries. Yesterday, the Minister of Interior Mareks Seglins has appealed to the Riga City Council to schedule carefully the timing of all processions on 16 March because there is a danger of clashes between members of organisations holding opposing views.

NGO Latvian Anti-fascist Committee has submitted an application to the Riga City Council to hold a procession in the centre of Riga on 16 March. As reported, several national radical organisations are planning to hold commemorative processions in honour of Latvian Waffen SS legionaries. Yesterday, the Minister of Interior Mareks Seglins has appealed to the Riga City Council to schedule carefully the timing of all processions on 16 March because there is a danger of clashes between members of organisations holding opposing views. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, NRA

Diena prints an article by the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Oskars Kastens about proposal to allow dual citizenship. According to the Minister, the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration has prepared the draft amendments to the Citizenship Law which would allow granting dual citizenship to children of Latvian citizens who were born abroad, to WWII Latvian refugees and to deported persons and their descendants. Oskars Kastens considers that the main aim of these amendments is to preserve the connection of these people with Latvia.