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.

• Riga Central District Court has announced a sentence in a case on assault on a citizen of Brazil by two skinheads
• Cabinet of Ministers has granted Latvian citizenship through naturalisation to 480 persons
• Diena features an interview with a candidate for the post of the President of Latvia Aivars Endzins

Yesterday, the Riga Central District Court has announced a sentence in a case on assault on a citizen of Brazil by two skinheads. As reported, a Brazilian girl and two men who accompanied her were attacked by a group of skinheads in the centre of Riga in December 2006. Two of the skinheads were detained shortly after the accident. The Security Police have asked the Prosecutor’s Office to initiate a criminal prosecution against two 17-year-old men under the Section 78 of the Criminal Code for violation of ethnic or racial equality. However, the crime was qualified as hooliganism committed in a group of people. One of the accused persons was sentenced to three years of suspended imprisonment and two years of trial period while another person - to two years of suspended imprisonment and one year of trial period.

Yesterday, the Riga Central District Court has announced a sentence in a case on assault on a citizen of Brazil by two skinheads. As reported, a Brazilian girl and two men who accompanied her were attacked by a group of skinheads in the centre of Riga in December 2006. Two of the skinheads were detained shortly after the accident. The Security Police have asked the Prosecutors Office to initiate a criminal prosecution against two 17-year-old men under the Section 78 of the Criminal Code for violation of ethnic or racial equality. However, the crime was qualified as hooliganism committed in a group of people. One of the accused persons was sentenced to three years of suspended imprisonment and two years of trial period while another person - to two years of suspended imprisonment and one year of trial period. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Latvijas Avize

Yesterday, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted Latvian citizenship through naturalisation to 480 persons. 63% of new citizens are Russians, 11% - Ukrainians, 13% - Belorussians.  In total, 119, 680 persons were granted citizenship since the procedure was launched in 1995.

Yesterday, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted Latvian citizenship through naturalisation to 480 persons. 63% of new citizens are Russians, 11% - Ukrainians, 13% - Belorussians. In total, 119, 680 persons were granted citizenship since the procedure was launched in 1995. Vesti Segodnya

Diena features an interview with a candidate for the post of the President of Latvia, ex-Chairman of the Constitutional Court, Aivars Endzins. Mr. Endzins has stated that he does not support a proposal to grant non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections. According to Aivars Endzins, Latvian Citizenship Law is one of the most liberal in Europe. He also believes that non-citizens would lose motivation to naturalise if they are granted voting rights.