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.

• Vesti Segodnya prints opinions of different persons about possible accommodation of refugees from African countries in Latvia
• Political party Russian Union of Latvia criticizes the detention of pro-Russian activists

Vesti Segodnya prints opinions of different well know persons including politicians about possible accommodation of refugees from African countries inLatvia. The majority of interviewed persons stress that accommodation of refugees inLatvia would cause new social and economic problems, as well as it would be a potential threat to the state’s security. Thus, political scientist Filips Rajevskis believes Latvian society is not ready to accept refugees, mainly because of cultural differences.  Director of theLatvia’s Future Institute, known also as Euro sceptic Normunds Grostins says thatLatvia should not accommodate refugees, as those will create new social, economic and criminal problems for Latvian state. MP Inguna Sudraba (From Heart toLatvia) believes that majority of refugees wont’ stay inLatvia and, therefore, it would be irrational to accommodate them for some period of time at the expense of Latvian taxpayers. She also believes that the benefit for refugees inLatvia (EUR 256 per month) is too high comparing to benefits and pensions of local people.

Vesti Segodnya publishes the statement by the political party Russian Union of Latvia regarding the fact that pro-Russian activists who gathered in the centre ofRiga in order to sign the founding document of an association “League of prisoners of conscience of Latvia” were taken to the police station. The party believes that the governing politicians avoid an open debate with Russian activists and instead incite the police to harass them. The party also evaluates such police actions as illegal and un-democratic and promises to complain to international media and organisations.