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.

• The Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Oskars Kastens criticizes the statements by the Minister of Culture Helena Demakova regarding multiculturalism
• Supreme Court has started adjudication of the case against national radicals Aivars Garda, Liga Muzikante and Ilze Liepa in the second instance
• Politicians Jurijs Zuravljovs and Viktors Kalnberzs: Latvia should grant non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections, because the government has supported Albanians in Kosovo
• Saeimas Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee has supported establishment of the Day of Citizen in Latvia

The Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Oskars Kastens criticizes the statements by the Minister of Culture Helena Demakova regarding multiculturalism published yesterday in

The Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Oskars Kastens criticizes the statements by the Minister of Culture Helena Demakova regarding multiculturalism published yesterday in Latvijas Avize. As reported, the Minister of Culture has stated that multiculturalism cannot be foundation for integration and cultural policy in Latvia because Latvian future depends on common ideas such as Latvian language and national symbols. Oskars Kastens has stated that the statement of Mrs. Demakova shows that the Minister has not looked into the essence of the draft Guidelines for Social Integration Policy 2008 - 2018 which are based on the principle of multiculturalism. According to Mr. Kastens, the draft Guidelines envisage a number of important tasks such as increasing the state funding for acquisition of Latvian language, strengthening of civic consciousness and patriotism and promotion of social security. The Special Assignments Minister also has stated that the Secretariat will defend the approval of the draft concept despite the criticism. Diena, Latvijas Avize

Yesterday, the Supreme Court has started adjudication of the case against national radicals Aivars Garda, Liga Muzikante and Ilze Liepa in the second instance. As reported, the leader of the extreme right-wing organisation Latvian National Front Aivars Garda and the organisation’s members Liga Muzikante and Ilze Liepa are charged for statements inciting to ethnic hatred in several articles published in their national radical newspaper

Yesterday, the Supreme Court has started adjudication of the case against national radicals Aivars Garda, Liga Muzikante and Ilze Liepa in the second instance. As reported, the leader of the extreme right-wing organisation Latvian National Front Aivars Garda and the organisations members Liga Muzikante and Ilze Liepa are charged for statements inciting to ethnic hatred in several articles published in their national radical newspaper DDD in 2004 and 2005. The Riga Regional Court has acquitted the persons in May 2007, however, the Prosecutor has appealed the ruling considering that there is enough evidence to punish the national radicals. Chas, Latvijas Avize

In an interview with

In an interview with Vesti Segodnya, the politicians Jurijs Zuravljovs and Viktors Kalnberzs have stated that Latvia should grant non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections, because the government supported Albanians in Kosovo by recognizing their independence. According to the politicians, the majority of Rigas residents are Russians like the majority of residents of Kosovo are Albanians, therefore, it is logical that Latvia grants at least voting rights to Latvias non-citizens who are mostly Russians.

Yesterday, the Saeima’s Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee has supported a proposal of the Naturalisation Board and the Ministry of Justice to establish a new public holiday - the Day of Citizen in Latvia.

Yesterday, the Saeimas Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee has supported a proposal of the Naturalisation Board and the Ministry of Justice to establish a new public holiday - the Day of Citizen in Latvia. Latvijas Avize