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.

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that the state of Latvia has violated Ingrida Podkolziona’s rights to free and genuine elections which are provided for by Article 3 Protocol 1 to the European Convention on Human Rights, but found it “necessary” to examine possible violations to the right to an effective remedy (Article 13) and the prohibition of discrimination (Article 14). The ruling also notes that it is not for the Court to take a position on the choice of the working language of a national parliament. The Court did rule that striking Podkolzina from the list of election candidates was not proportional to the legitimate goal invoked by the Latvian government of ensuring the functioning of the state language in Latvia. The state of Latvia must pay Podkolzina EUR 7,500 for moral distress and EUR 1,500 for legal fees. Ingrida Podkolzina is satisfied with the ruling and hopes that it will be guarantee that no more such precedents will occur in the future

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that the state of Latvia has violated Ingrida Podkolzionas rights to free and genuine elections which are provided for by Article 3 Protocol 1 to the European Convention on Human Rights, but found it necessary to examine possible violations to the right to an effective remedy (Article 13) and the prohibition of discrimination (Article 14). The ruling also notes that it is not for the Court to take a position on the choice of the working language of a national parliament. The Court did rule that striking Podkolzina from the list of election candidates was not proportional to the legitimate goal invoked by the Latvian government of ensuring the functioning of the state language in Latvia. The state of Latvia must pay Podkolzina EUR 7,500 for moral distress and EUR 1,500 for legal fees. Ingrida Podkolzina is satisfied with the ruling and hopes that it will be guarantee that no more such precedents will occur in the future. Neatkariga, Chas

In its headline,

In its headline, Diena argues that the ECHR acquits state language policyand that it has recognised the legal basis for the election law. Diena suggests that the ECHR has ruled that Latvia has the right to determine which language deputies use in parliament and set the criteria for their election. Notwithstanding the lack of a clear finding that the election law is in violation of the ECHR, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga does not intend to change her stance on the need to amend the laws. Several human rights experts - interviewed by Diena - also agree with Presidents stance.

Dienas

commentary by Aivars Ozolins is also about the ECHRs decision. Ozolins writes that the hopes of those Latvian politicians that the Court would take a decision for them on whether Latvia should amend election laws have not come true. Latvian politicians themselves will have to take the decision on this issue while Latvias foreign and domestic policy goals. Aivars Ozolins notes that the language requirements in Latvias election laws threaten Latvias NATO inspiration and should therefore be abolished and as soon as possible after the status of the Latvian language is secured in the Constitution. commentary by Aivars Ozolins is also about the ECHR’s decision. Ozolins writes that the hopes of those Latvian politicians that the Court would take a decision for them on whether Latvia should amend election laws have not come true. Latvian politicians themselves will have to take the decision on this issue while Latvia’s foreign and domestic policy goals. Aivars Ozolins notes that the language requirements in Latvia’s election laws threaten Latvia’s NATO inspiration and should therefore be abolished and as soon as possible after the status of the Latvian language is secured in the Constitution.

Telegraf

publishes the comments of several politicians concerning the ruling on Podkolzinas case. Saeima Human Rights Committee chairperson Antons Seiksts says that the ruling proved that no language requirements should be included in election laws. I believe the ruling will make our politicians amend the election laws, says Seiksts. FF/LNNK deputy Dzintars Rasnacs says that in his opinion, the ruling is not in favour of Podkolzina. Equal Rights Movement leader Tatjana Zdanok in publishes the comments of several politicians concerning the ruling on Podkolzina’s case. Saeima Human Rights Committee chairperson Antons Seiksts says that the ruling proved that no language requirements should be included in election laws. “I believe the ruling will make our politicians amend the election laws,” says Seiksts. FF/LNNK deputy Dzintars Rasnacs says that in his opinion, the ruling is not in favour of Podkolzina. Equal Rights Movement leader Tatjana Zdanok in Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja comments on the ruling: It is a complete victory. A victory of national minorities in Latvia. comments on the ruling: “It is a complete victory. A victory of national minorities in Latvia.” Vesti Segodnja Vesti Segodnja argues that the ECHR has ruled that the Government has to amend the election laws. argues that the ECHR has ruled that the Government has to amend the election laws. Podkolzina is still a member of FHRUL and has not yet decided whether to run for the 8th Saeima elections in the fall.

Podkolzina is still a member of FHRUL and has not yet decided whether to run for the 8th Saeima elections in the fall. Panorama Latvii

The Society Integration Foundation (SIF) organised a number of regional seminars where people interested in receiving funding for integration projects could receive in-depth information on application process. First seminars are being organised in Liepaja, then they will be organised in Ventspils and Talsi. SIF director Nils Sakss highlights that the attendance rate of seminars is very high and people have many questions. The deadline for submitting projects is 3 May and probably already in August the projects will start to be implemented.

The Society Integration Foundation (SIF) organised a number of regional seminars where people interested in receiving funding for integration projects could receive in-depth information on application process. First seminars are being organised in Liepaja, then they will be organised in Ventspils and Talsi. SIF director Nils Sakss highlights that the attendance rate of seminars is very high and people have many questions. The deadline for submitting projects is 3 May and probably already in August the projects will start to be implemented. Chas