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.

• First instance court took a decision to deprive a deputy of the Balvi Municipal Council of the mandate

Latvijas Avize about a litigation between the deputy of the Balvi Municipal Council Ivans Baranovs and the State Language Centre (SLC). In November 2013, the SLC found that Baranovs’ Latvian language proficiency did not match the highest level required for the post. Due to inability to improve language skills, the SLC asked the court to deprive Baranovs of his mandate. The first instance court satisfied the SLC’s appeal. However, the litigation continues, as Mr Baranovs appealed the court’s decision.