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.

• Saeimas Committee on Mandates, Submissions and Ethics initiated a case on violation of deputys ethics by the MP Juris Dobelis
• Picket against violation of human rights in Latvia for the President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek
• Minister of Justice Mareks Seglins replied to an appeal of the Russian speaking oppositions parties for explanation why naturalisation rate is so low in Latvia

The Saeima’s Committee on Mandates, Submissions and Ethics initiated a case on violation of deputy’s ethics by the MP Juris Dobelis (FF/LNIM). The case is initiated after a complaint of the MP Aleksandrs Golubovs (Concord Centre). As reported, Juris Dobelis targeted personally Aleksandrs Golubovs when making his insulting statements from the Saeima’s tribune such as “Occupant, shut up your mouth!” and “Death to occupants!” The Committee will review the incident during its next session.

The Saeimas Committee on Mandates, Submissions and Ethics initiated a case on violation of deputys ethics by the MP Juris Dobelis (FF/LNIM). The case is initiated after a complaint of the MP Aleksandrs Golubovs (Concord Centre). As reported, Juris Dobelis targeted personally Aleksandrs Golubovs when making his insulting statements from the Saeimas tribune such as Occupant, shut up your mouth! and Death to occupants! The Committee will review the incident during its next session. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Yesterday, during the visit of the President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek to Latvia, the party For Human Rights in United Latvia held a picket near the Saeima’s building with an aim to point the EP’s President at problems with human rights in the country. Organisers of the picket also sent a letter to Mr. Buzek which points at large number of non-citizens in Latvia, slow speed of naturalisation, refusal to grant non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections and other problems.

Yesterday, during the visit of the President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek to Latvia, the party For Human Rights in United Latvia held a picket near the Saeimas building with an aim to point the EPs President at problems with human rights in the country. Organisers of the picket also sent a letter to Mr. Buzek which points at large number of non-citizens in Latvia, slow speed of naturalisation, refusal to grant non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections and other problems. Chas

The Minister of Justice Mareks Seglins replied to an appeal of the Russian speaking opposition’s parties for explanation why naturalisation rate is so low in Latvia. According to Mr. Seglins, lowering of naturalisation rate is caused by drop of patriotism due to economic and political situation in the country; by discussions on possibility of double citizenship in Latvia; and discussions on granting voting rights to non-citizens in municipal elections. At the same time, the Minister states that decrease of number of persons without citizenship and number of non-citizens is among the Latvia’s aims.

The Minister of Justice Mareks Seglins replied to an appeal of the Russian speaking oppositions parties for explanation why naturalisation rate is so low in Latvia. According to Mr. Seglins, lowering of naturalisation rate is caused by drop of patriotism due to economic and political situation in the country; by discussions on possibility of double citizenship in Latvia; and discussions on granting voting rights to non-citizens in municipal elections. At the same time, the Minister states that decrease of number of persons without citizenship and number of non-citizens is among the Latvias aims. Vesti Segodnya