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.

• Saeima in the final reading allowed slaughter of animals in the form of a ritual cut
• Conference of organisations representing Russian speaking residents of Europe begins today in Riga
• MP Juris Dobelis insulted another MP with words: Occupant, shut up your mouth!
• Police launched a criminal process against persons visible on a video physically attacking a man saying to him Speak to me Latvian or I will kick your head!

Yesterday, the Saeima in the second and the final reading supported draft amendments to the Law on Protection of Animals which allow slaughter of animals in the form of a ritual cut. The amendments allow slaughter of animals for consumption in the Halal method practiced in Islam and Judaism.

Yesterday, the Saeima in the second and the final reading supported draft amendments to the Law on Protection of Animals which allow slaughter of animals in the form of a ritual cut. The amendments allow slaughter of animals for consumption in the Halal method practiced in Islam and Judaism. Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Latvijas Avize, Diena

Telegraf reports that conference of organisations representing Russian speaking residents of Europe begins today in Riga. The participants will elaborate recommendations on integration of Russian speaking minorities in the EU for the European Commission. The meeting is held in the framework of the European program Grundtvig.

Yesterday, during the Saeima’s session, the MP Juris Dobelis (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM) shouted at the MP Aleksandrs Golubovs (Concord Centre) “Occupant, shut up your mouth!” and “Death to occupants!” The Saeima’s speaker made a warning to Juris Dobelis for these statements. Mr. Golubovs is planning to turn to the Saeima’s Ethnics Committee in order to receive public apology from Mr. Dobelis.

Yesterday, during the Saeimas session, the MP Juris Dobelis (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM) shouted at the MP Aleksandrs Golubovs (Concord Centre) Occupant, shut up your mouth! and Death to occupants! The Saeimas speaker made a warning to Juris Dobelis for these statements. Mr. Golubovs is planning to turn to the Saeimas Ethnics Committee in order to receive public apology from Mr. Dobelis. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The police launched a criminal process against persons visible on a video physically attacking a man saying to him “Speak to me Latvian or I will kick your head!” The video recently was placed on

The police launched a criminal process against persons visible on a video physically attacking a man saying to him Speak to me Latvian or I will kick your head! The video recently was placed on www.youtube.com. The police launched the criminal process for hooliganism in a group and already detained one of the attackers, while, the other attacker was not detained because he is under age. According to a representative of the Security Police, six complaints on incitement to ethnic hatred were received since the beginning of the year. In four of the cases, the Police refused to launch criminal process. Telegraf