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.

• Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the MPs of the nationalists’ union Raivis Dzintars and Janis Dombrava about 16 March events
• Director of the Research Centre of Eastern European Policy wants to stop broadcasts of Russian TV channels in Latvia

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the MPs of the nationalists’ union All for Latvia!-FF/LNIM Raivis Dzintars and Janis Dombrava about 16 March events (unofficial commemoration day of Latvian Waffen SS legionnaires.) Both believe that the Riga City Council is responsible for provocations during the 16 March events as it allowed the anti-fascists’ event take place simultaneously with the procession of the commemoration of Latvian legionnaires. As reported, in protest against the procession the anti-fascists put up stands with photos of Nazi war crimes, and when the procession approached the Monument of Freedom turned on a siren, and then played a Soviet-era memorial song “Buchenwald Alarm”.  After that, they listed Nazi crimes through megaphone. The activities provoked the participants of the procession, including both the MPs, who attempted to remove stands and sound equipment. According to MP Dombrava he tore the poster in order to get to the loudspeakers.  Mr Dombrava publicly expressed regret about what he had said to the police officer (“Move back or you will no longer work [as police officer]”) who prevented him from getting  to the loudspeakers. MP Dzintars thought it  important to ensure that future commemoration of Latvian legionnaires on 16 March goes undisturbed by other events. After the events, the nationalists’ union demanded the resignation of the Minister of Interior blaming him for alleged police inability to maintain public order.

Director of the Research Centre of Eastern European Policy Andis Kudors stated that the operator of the digital television “Lattelecom” (one of the largest telecommunication providers) should exclude Russia’s TV channels from its package. He believes that Russia’s TV negatively impacts the situation in Latvia as Russia uses those as its foreign policy tool. Vesti Segodnya