• Saeima repeatedly elected Juris Jansons for the post of the Ombudsman
• Mayor of Riga Nils Usakovs: the current bilingual education system works perfectly

Saeima repeatedly elected Juris Jansons for the post of the Ombudsman. In the second round of voting, 49 MPs voted for Juris Jansons, 43 MPs voted for the second candidate Ilze Berzina-Rukere.  Experts are equivocal about Mr Jansons' activities; according to them, he has paid more attention to resonant cases like children's rights, however staying away from other topics, such as the rights of minorities. For instance, the director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights Anhelita Kamenska criticised the Ombudsman for avoiding controversial and sensitive issues, e.g. LGBT rights, and for his absence during the asylum debate. lsm.lv

In an interview with Latvijas Avize, the Mayor of Riga Nils Usakovs stated that the existing bilingual education system works perfectly and no changes are needed.  Mr Usakovs believes that the graduates of minority schools have no problems with regard to Latvian language proficiency, as the results of the common centralised language examination are positive. He also criticized politicians for using the topic of national minority schools for political reasons.  

• Riga Court of Kurzeme District suspended the activity of the political party “For Native Language”

The Riga Court of Kurzeme District satisfied the claim of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau to suspend the activity of the political party “For Native Language”, as it has not submitted its annual reports. One of the party’s leaders Vladimirs Lindermans stated that the party will continue its activities unofficially. As reported, the party was established in 2012 with an objective to achieve equality through granting Latvian citizenship to all non-citizens, granting Russian language the status of a state language and preservation of national minority schools.

• Procession for human rights of refugees held in the centre of Riga

On 27 February, about 50 people took part in a procession for human rights of refugees in the centre of Riga. The procession was organised by activists providing help to refugees and asylum seekers in Latvia. The participants of the procession called for safe and legal way of refugees to countries of asylum. Latvijas Avize

• Ministry of Justice initiated a public discussion about the draft law stipulating a ban on wearing face-covering clothing
• Court sentenced a man with six years of imprisonment for an online collection of signatures in support of Latvia’s merge with Russia

The Ministry of Justice initiated a public discussion about the draft law restricting wearing of face-covering clothing in public places. According to the draft law, it aims at ensuring the existence of integrated and harmonious society as well as open communication among the members of society. The draft law foresees some exemptions when face covering is allowed, for instance, when it is necessary for fulfilment of professional duties, during sports exercises and events, participation in artistic events, due to health conditions, etc.  News agency LETA

The court sentenced a man with six months of imprisonment for collection of signatures in support of Latvia’s merge with Russia. The man was sentenced according to Article 82 of the Criminal Law “Invitation to Destroy Independence of the Republic of Latvia as a State.”  In March 2014, following the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the man published on a web site a call to all Latvian residents for collection of signatures in support of Latvia’s accession to the Russian Federation.  The author of the petition also expressed his opinion on how Latvia would benefit from joining Russia. At the end of the petition’s text, the author wrote a note that it is a joke.Lsm.lv

• Public procurement for selection of social mentors and social workers for asylum seekers and refugees has failed

The public procurement announced by the Society Integration Foundation (SIF) for selection of social mentors and social workers for asylum seekers, refugees and persons with alternative status has failed, as no applicants have applied. Organisations providing social assistance to various social groups, including asylum seekers, pointed to significant shortcomings in the procurement’s requirements. According to the NGO “Shelter. Safe House”, the announced call provided for mentors’ and social workers’ support only to relocated asylum seekers despite the fact that the total number of asylum seekers in Latvia is much higher.  The SIF plans to review the procurement’s requirements and to announce repeated call. At the same time, the National Union called for revision of planned asylum social workers’ and mentors’ remuneration, which is allegedly too high in comparison with remuneration of other social workers. News agency LETA