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.

• Central Elections Committee refused to conduct state funded collection of signatures in support of referendum on non-citizens
• Administrative Regional Court upheld a decision on disciplinary punishment imposed to a police officer who refused to speak Russian

The Central Elections Committee (CEC) refused to conduct state funded collection of signatures in support of referendum on granting Latvian citizenship to non-citizens. 6 of 9 the CEC members voted against initiation of the second referendum stage, 2 members – in favour, while the head of the CEC Ainars Cimdars abstained of voting. Before taking the decision, the CEC asked various legal institutions and experts to provide their opinion about the draft law. Although the experts’ opinions were ambiguous, the CEC acknowledged the draft law is not fully developed and contradicts the Latvian Constitution and Declaration of Latvian independence. The majority of the CEC members also concluded that the draft law will sufficiently widen number of citizens thus it may lead to denial of the fact of occupation of Latvia and question principle of continuity of Latvian state. The initiators of the draft law are planning to appeal the CEC decision in the court. Telegraf, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga

The Administrative Regional Court upheld a decision on disciplinary punishment imposed to a police officer who refused to speak Russian to a Russian-speaking caller and did not register his complaint. The caller reported the police officer about a thief attempting to enter his apartment; however, the police officer spoke to the caller only in Latvian and stated in Latvia you should speak Latvian. Later, the police officer argued he is not proficient in Russian language. However, the court did not find it sufficient explanation for refusing a resident’s claim as the call could be forwarded to another colleague who speaks Russian. Chas