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.

• MPs held discussions about a possibility of ethnic conflicts in Latvia
• NGO criticizes the professor Leons Taivans for his statements on Islam
• The advocates ask to soften penalty for the ex-staff members of the Naturalization Board

Yesterday members of the Saeima’s National Security Commission and representatives of security services discussed the conflicts in France and a possibility of such conflicts in Latvia in a confidential meeting of the Saeima’s National Security Committee. Members of the Security Committee argued that Latvia should learn from the events in France, as there is a possibility that in the future ‘the forces, including Islam radical organizations, which organized these protests in France, will come to Latvia However, the leaders of the security services assured that the situation in the country is stable and there is no place for worries in the nearest future.

Yesterday members of the Saeimas National Security Commission and representatives of security services discussed the conflicts in France and a possibility of such conflicts in Latvia in a confidential meeting of the Saeimas National Security Committee. Members of the Security Committee argued that Latvia should learn from the events in France, as there is a possibility that in the future ‘the forces, including Islam radical organizations, which organized these protests in France, will come to Latvia However, the leaders of the security services assured that the situation in the country is stable and there is no place for worries in the nearest future. Vesti Segodya

The Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies and the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration believe that the comments of the professor Leons Taivans about Islam promotes intolerance and enforce prejudices and  stereotypes about Islam and Muslims. As reported earlier, the Union of Muslim Communities in Latvia asked the resignation of the professor Leons Taivans for allegedly insulting comments towards Muslims. The University of Latvia announced that the professor will not  be dismissed, because he had expressed his point of view.The head of the Union of the Muslim Communities asked the administration of the University to re-consider their decision.

The Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies and the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration believe that the comments of the professor Leons Taivans about Islam promotes intolerance and enforce prejudices and stereotypes about Islam and Muslims. As reported earlier, the Union of Muslim Communities in Latvia asked the resignation ofthe professorLeons Taivans for allegedly insulting comments towards Muslims. The University of Latvia announced that the professor will not be dismissed, because he had expressed his point of view.The head of the Union of the Muslim Communities asked the administration of the University to re-consider their decision. Diena

Yesterday, advocates of the accused ex staff members of the Naturalization Board for the alleged bribery asked the Riga Regional Court to soften punishment. The advocates asked the Court to consider all palliatives. As reported, the Public Prosecutor asked four years and one and a half year of imprisonment for the two accused ex-members of the Naturalisation Board, and to impose probation custody for other seven accused persons.

Yesterday, advocates of the accused ex staff members of the Naturalization Board for the alleged bribery asked the Riga Regional Court to soften punishment. The advocates asked the Court to consider all palliatives. As reported, the Public Prosecutor asked four years and one and a half year of imprisonment for the two accused ex-members of the Naturalisation Board, and to impose probation custody for other seven accused persons. NRA