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.

• Chief Prosecutor of the Prosecutors Office of the Riga Regional Court Edgars Berzins upheld the decision of Ieva Garanca to terminate criminal proceedings against a neo-Nazi Andris Jordans
• European Court of Human Rights has launched a public hearing of a case of former ‘Red Partisan Vasilijs Kononovs against Latvia
• Special Reporter of the United Nations Organisations on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance Doudou Diene has arrived to Latvia
• Kulturas Diena features an interview with Islamic reformist Irshad Manji

The Chief Prosecutor of the Prosecutor’s Office of the Riga Regional Court Edgars Berzins has refused an appeal submitted by the members of the Riga City Council Vladislavs Rafalskis (representing political party For Human Rights in United Latvia) and Viktors Gluhovs (representing political party the Concord Centre) on a decision of the Prosecutor of the Riga Regional Court Ieva Garanca to terminate criminal proceedings against a neo-Nazi Andris Jordans.

The Chief Prosecutor of the Prosecutors Office of the Riga Regional Court Edgars Berzins has refused an appeal submitted by the members of the Riga City Council Vladislavs Rafalskis (representing political party For Human Rights in United Latvia) and Viktors Gluhovs (representing political party the Concord Centre) on a decision of the Prosecutor of the Riga Regional Court Ieva Garanca to terminate criminal proceedings against a neo-Nazi Andris Jordans. Mr. Berzins has ruled that the decision of Ieva Garanca was correct and agreed that statements of Andris Jordans were an expression of freedom of speech protected by the Latvian Constitution and by the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. As reported, Andris Jordans has publicly stated that Jews and Roma people are ‘non-humans and it would be preferable to exterminate them. The deputies are planning to appeal the decision in the General Persecutors Office and if the decision will be upheld again, to turn to the EU structures and international organisations.

Newspapers report that yesterday, the European Court of Human Rights has launched a public hearing of a case of former ‘Red Partisan’ Vasilijs Kononovs against Latvia. In 2004, The Supreme Court of Latvia has found guilty Vasilijs Kononovs of committing war crimes in 1944. The court sentenced him to 1 year and 8 months imprisonment, which was equivalent to the time he has already spent in prison during the pre-trial investigation. 84-years-old Vasilijs Kononovs complains that he was sentenced for offences which were not unlawful during the time they were made. Mr. Kononovs argues that the characterisation of his acts by the Latvian courts was based on an erroneous assumption that Latvia was at the time occupied by the USSR and that he was a representative of the occupation forces. He also complains about the length and unfairness of his trial and that his detention pending trial harmed his state of health.

Newspapers report that yesterday, the European Court of Human Rights has launched a public hearing of a case of former ‘Red Partisan Vasilijs Kononovs against Latvia. In 2004, The Supreme Court of Latvia has found guilty Vasilijs Kononovs of committing war crimes in 1944. The court sentenced him to 1 year and 8 months imprisonment, which was equivalent to the time he has already spent in prison during the pre-trial investigation. 84-years-old Vasilijs Kononovs complains that he was sentenced for offences which were not unlawful during the time they were made. Mr. Kononovs argues that the characterisation of his acts by the Latvian courts was based on an erroneous assumption that Latvia was at the time occupied by the USSR and that he was a representative of the occupation forces. He also complains about the length and unfairness of his trial and that his detention pending trial harmed his state of health. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Diena

Telegraf reports that the Special Reporter of the United Nations Organisations on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance Doudou Diene has arrived to Latvia with an official visit. The aim of the visit is to get acquainted with Latvian integration policy, observation of rights of ethnic minorities and combating intolerance.

Kulturas Diena features an interview with Islamic reformist Irshad Manji who recently has visited Latvia. Ms. Manji talks on issues concerning reformation of orthodox and patriarchal Islam.