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.

• 17 years-old youngster was attacked allegedly because he wore a cap with inscription Russia and Russian emblem
• Telegraf reports about system of illegal transportation of migrants from third world countries to the EU countries trough Latvia
• Telegraf prints an article by a lawyer Aleksejs Dimitrovs about reception of asylum seekers in Latvia
• Minister of Interior Linda Murniece: law-enforcement bodies did not recommend the Riga City Council to ban public events on 16 March
• Ex-Minister of Integration Nils Muiznieks: it is absurd that still there are children in Latvia who are born with status of non-citizen
• MEP from Latvia Inese Vaidere calls on the President Valdis Zatlers not to proclaim draft amendments to the Immigration Law

Vesti Segodnya reports that a 17 years-old youngster got brutally assaulted in the centre of Riga allegedly because he wore a cap with inscription Russia and Russian emblem. According to the victim, he was attacked by two young men shouting statement such as occupant and others.

Telegraf reports about system of illegal transportation of migrants from third world countries to the EU countries trough Latvia. According to the article, migrants from African and Asian countries arrive to Latvia from Russia, get fake documents and are transported further to Finland, Germany, and Holland. Persons who organise illegal migration earn around EUR 20,000 for each migrant.

Telegraf prints an article by a lawyer Aleksejs Dimitrovs about reception of asylum seekers in Latvia. According to Mr. Dimitrovs, Latvia should prepare for reception of much larger number of asylum seekers, thus helping other European countries to solve problems regarding influx of refugees.

According to the Minister of Interior Linda Murniece, law-enforcement bodies did not recommend the Riga City Council to ban public events on 16 March and do not have information about possible disturbances. As reported, the Riga City Council decided to forbid all public events on 16 March. However, organisation “Hawks of Daugava” stated that the procession in commemoration of Latvian Waffen SS legionnaires will be held in the centre of Riga anyway. Also, so-called “anti-fascists” stated that they will hold a protest action if such procession is held.

According to the Minister of Interior Linda Murniece, law-enforcement bodies did not recommend the Riga City Council to ban public events on 16 March and do not have information about possible disturbances. As reported, the Riga City Council decided to forbid all public events on 16 March. However, organisation Hawks of Daugava stated that the procession in commemoration of Latvian Waffen SS legionnaires will be held in the centre of Riga anyway. Also, so-called anti-fascists stated that they will hold a protest action if such procession is held. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

According to an academician and ex-Minister of Integration Nils Muiznieks, it is absurd that 20 years after the return of independence still there are children in Latvia who are born with status of non-citizen, although they do not have any connection with the Soviet Union.  Mr. Muiznieks believes that there is a little progress in integration process because of improved Latvian language proficiency among ethnic non-Latvians; however, ethnic Latvian politicians still do not have any interest towards issues and problems of Russian speaking residents.

According to an academician and ex-Minister of Integration Nils Muiznieks, it is absurd that 20 years after the return of independence still there are children in Latvia who are born with status of non-citizen, although they do not have any connection with the Soviet Union. Mr. Muiznieks believes that there is a little progress in integration process because of improved Latvian language proficiency among ethnic non-Latvians; however, ethnic Latvian politicians still do not have any interest towards issues and problems of Russian speaking residents. Chas

The MEP from Latvia Inese Vaidere (Civic Union) called on the President Valdis Zatlers not to proclaim draft amendments to the Immigration Law which stipulate granting residence permits to foreign investors. Mrs. Vaidere considers that these amendments bring danger of un-controlled immigration to Latvia.

The MEP from Latvia Inese Vaidere (Civic Union) called on the President Valdis Zatlers not to proclaim draft amendments to the Immigration Law which stipulate granting residence permits to foreign investors. Mrs. Vaidere considers that these amendments bring danger of un-controlled immigration to Latvia. Chas