• Saeima does not support introduction of proposed amendments to the Citizenship Law
• Discussions about the conclusions of the study of the Head of the Human Rights Institute of the University of Latvia Arturs Kucs ‘Boundaries of the Freedom of Speech: Defamation and Injuring of Dignity, Incitement of Hatred
• Head of Saeima Social Integration Subcommittee Andris Berzins expresses readiness to meet with representatives of the Headquarters youth group
• Riga District Court has found a witness in the case of policemen beating to death a man of Romani origin guilty in giving a false testimony

Yesterday Saeima did not support amendments to the Citizenship Law, submitted by the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia. The amendments stipulated that all children who have studied at Latvian-language secondary schools, but have not completed a full educational course, and orphans, who live in boarding-schools, should be granted Latvian citizenship. Besides, all children, born in Latvia after 21 August 1991, who live permanently in the territory of Latvia, but have the status of non-citizens or stateless person, should be registered as citizens of Latvia without any additional procedures.

Yesterday Saeima did not support amendments to the Citizenship Law, submitted by the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia. The amendments stipulated that all children who have studied at Latvian-language secondary schools, but have not completed a full educational course, and orphans, who live in boarding-schools, should be granted Latvian citizenship. Besides, all children, born in Latvia after 21 August 1991, who live permanently in the territory of Latvia, but have the status of non-citizens or stateless person, should be registered as citizens of Latvia without any additional procedures. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Newspapers reflect discussions on the conclusions of the study of the Head of the Human Rights Institute of the University of Latvia Arturs Kucs ‘Boundaries of the Freedom of Speech: Defamation and Injuring of Dignity, Incitement of Hatred.’

Newspapers reflect discussions on the conclusions of the study of the Head of the Human Rights Institute of the University of Latvia Arturs Kucs ‘Boundaries of the Freedom of Speech: Defamation and Injuring of Dignity, Incitement of Hatred. Diena discusses a recommendation of the author to determine liability for incitement of national hatred also in the case if it was done without such intention. The editor of Diena Pauls Raudseps stresses that that would endanger the freedom of speech. While the representative of the State Security Police Armands Saveljevs notes that in accordance with the existing legal norms it is very difficult to prove that a person incited national hatred intentionally. Diena, Rigas Balss

The Head of Saeima Social Integration Subcommittee Andris Berzins has expressed readiness to meet with representatives of the youth group of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools to discuss the implementations of the education reform. However, Andris Berzins has refused to discuss these issues with adult representatives of the Headquarters.

The Head of Saeima Social Integration Subcommittee Andris Berzins has expressed readiness to meet with representatives of the youth group of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools to discuss the implementations of the education reform. However, Andris Berzins has refused to discuss these issues with adult representatives of the Headquarters. Latvijas Avize

Riga District Court has found a witness Dace Vingre in the case of policemen beating to death the man of Romani origin guilty in giving a false testimony.

Riga District Court has found a witness Dace Vingre in the case of policemen beating to death the man of Romani origin guilty in giving a false testimony. The investigation revealed that the witness lied that she was raped by the Romani man. In 2002, four police officers, after privately receiving from Dace Vingre a complaint alleging rape, unlawfully entered a private home in Riga and beat up two men. The policemen had proceeded to take one of the men (a Romani man) to a place near the Rumbula train station, where they beat and kicked him, causing serious injury. The man was then taken to police headquarters, where it was established that he was dead. On June 5, the Latgale District Court found all officers innocent on the grounds of lack of evidence. Chas

• Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee did not support amendments to the Childrens Rights Protection Law
• Telegraf reports on the forthcoming monitoring of minority schools
• Riga Central Court drops charges against Viktors Dergunovs for taking part in protest actions against the education reform

The Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee did not support amendments to the Children’s Rights Protection Law, submitted by the MP Vladimirs Buzajevs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia). The amendments stipulated that those parents, of whom one is a Latvian non-citizen of Latvia, but the other – citizen of another state, shall have the right to chose the status of their children on the basis of a mutual agreement. According to the information, published by

The Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee did not support amendments to the Childrens Rights Protection Law, submitted by the MP Vladimirs Buzajevs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia). The amendments stipulated that those parents, of whom one is a Latvian non-citizen of Latvia, but the other – citizen of another state, shall have the right to chose the status of their children on the basis of a mutual agreement. According to the information, published by Vesti Segodnya, the Register of Population often registers such child as citizens of foreign countries. In case parents object against the ‘unjustified degradation of the status of their child, registration of their child is a very long process. During this long registration period childs parents do not receive social benefits for a child and a child cannot receive medical services because s/he lacks of personal code which should be presented to receive medical services. Vesti Segodnya

Telegraf reports on a forthcoming monitoring of minority schools, which will be conducted by the Education State Inspection. The key goal of monitoring is to inspect the implementation of the education reform. According to the Deputy Chairperson of the Inspection Valda Puise, the Inspection most probably will not only review documents and have discussions with school directors, but also will observe classes and learning process.

The Riga Central Court has dismissed charges Viktors Dergunovs for taking part in protest actions against the education reform on 1 September when he and other eight persons chained themselves to the doors of the Cabinet of Ministers building.

The Riga Central Court has dismissed charges Viktors Dergunovs for taking part in protest actions against the education reform on 1 September when he and other eight persons chained themselves to the doors of the Cabinet of Ministers building. Diena

• European Union has promised Russia to hear out its complaints about the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia
• Parliamentary Secretary of the Special Tasks Ministers for Social Integration Secretariat Aleksandrs Brandavs calls the Prosecutor General Office to evaluate articles published by the national-radical newspaper DDD
• Article about the study of the Head of the Human Rights Institute of the University of Latvia Arturs Kucs ‘Boundaries of the Freedom of Speech: Defamation and Injuring of Dignity, Incitement of Hatred
• Jakovs Pliners may sue those minority schools, which have produced false statements about their readiness to implement the education reform
• Members of the European Parliament from union For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM have met the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione
• 452 persons became citizens of Latvia yesterday
• Articles on good practice in the area of the implementation of the education reform

The European Union Presidency has promised Russia to continue to hear out its complaints about the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia and discuss these issues during the forthcoming meeting of EU member states’ leaders in November, however, avoided giving any promises to take any steps. ‘We have come to an agreement that if Russia is concerned about the situation, it should be discussed. We will discuss these issues with our partners – Latvia and Estonia,’ stated the Foreign Affairs Minister of Netherlands Bernard Bot after the meeting with the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov. At the same time Bernard Bot has assured that all EU member states live in accordance with the Copenhagen criteria and observe human rights. The EU has also reminded Russia that it should sign boarder agreements with Latvia and Estonia.

The European Union Presidency has promised Russia to continue to hear out its complaints about the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia and discuss these issues during the forthcoming meeting of EU member states leaders in November, however, avoided giving any promises to take any steps. ‘We have come to an agreement that if Russia is concerned about the situation, it should be discussed. We will discuss these issues with our partners – Latvia and Estonia, stated the Foreign Affairs Minister of Netherlands Bernard Bot after the meeting with the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov. At the same time Bernard Bot has assured that all EU member states live in accordance with the Copenhagen criteria and observe human rights. The EU has also reminded Russia that it should sign boarder agreements with Latvia and Estonia. Diena

The Parliamentary Secretary of the Special Tasks Minister’s for Social Integration Secretariat Aleksandrs Brandavs has asked the Prosecutor General Office of Latvia to evaluate articles published by the national-radical newspaper

The Parliamentary Secretary of the Special Tasks Ministers for Social Integration Secretariat Aleksandrs Brandavs has asked the Prosecutor General Office of Latvia to evaluate articles published by the national-radical newspaper DDD as he believes that some of these articles contain anti-Semitic statements. Telegraf

Diena and public policy portal www.politika.lv reports on the study of the Head of the Human Rights Institute of the University of Latvia Arturs Kucs ‘Boundaries of the Freedom of Speech: Defamation and Injuring of Dignity, Incitement of Hatred. One of the conclusions of the study is that cases of incitement of national hatred is not initiated at all or are closed because Latvian Criminal Law stipulates that it should be proved that a person has incited national hatred intentionally. He believes that criminal charges should be pressed against a person also in the cases when statements inciting national hatred have consequences in society. The author of the study also believes that these issues may also be dealt with in Latvian Civil Law. For full text of the study in Latvian see here.

The Head of the Parliamentary Group of For Human Rights in the United Latvia Jakovs Pliners

The Head of the Parliamentary Group ofFor Human Rights in the United Latvia Jakovs Pliners considers a possibility to apply with court challenging those minority schools, which have declared that they are ready to implement the education reform, but in fact are not able to provide qualitative education. The Head of Parliamentary Group refers to the results of the unitary exams which according to Jakovs Pliners show that more than a half of minority elementary school students have passed final exams with grades ranging from 1 to 6 out of 10. According to Jakovs Pliners, the results witness crisis in educational system and confirm that Latvian language proficiency of minority students is not sufficient to study any subject in Latvian. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

Members of the European Parliament from union For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM met the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione to clarify his statements regarding the situation of Latvian non-citizens and provide Rocco Buttiglione information about naturalisation procedures in Latvia. According to the member of the European Parliament Inese Vaidere, after the meeting Rocco Buttiglione has admitted that naturalisation procedure in Latvia is very liberal. The prospective commissioner has also regretted that his statements have caused misunderstandings.

Members of the European Parliament from union For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM met the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione to clarify his statements regarding the situation of Latvian non-citizens and provide Rocco Buttiglione information about naturalisation procedures in Latvia. According to the member of the European Parliament Inese Vaidere, after the meeting Rocco Buttiglione has admitted that naturalisation procedure in Latvia is very liberal. The prospective commissioner has also regretted that his statements have caused misunderstandings. Latvijas Avize

Yesterday 452 persons, among them 56 children, became citizens of Latvia. Out of 396 persons 69% were Russians, 12% - Ukrainians, 11% - Belorussians as well as Lithuanians, Poles and representatives of other nationalities.

Yesterday 452 persons, among them 56 children, became citizens of Latvia. Out of 396 persons 69% were Russians, 12% - Ukrainians, 11% - Belorussians as well as Lithuanians, Poles and representatives of other nationalities. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Latvijas Avize features articles about the transition to studies mainly in the Latvian language in two minority schools – Riga Ukrainian Secondary School and Riga Zolitude Gymnasium. The Director of the Riga Ukrainian Secondary School Lidija Kravcenko states that, when the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus asked students whether they have any problems in the field of integration, students replied that they do not have any negative experiences. The Director of the Riga Zolitude Gymnasium Svetlana Semenko stresses that the school provides two packages of the text books (in the native language and in Latvian) already for students of the primary school. While the teacher of mathematics Olga Seremeta is convinced that if students want to succeed in secondary school, they have to get used to study in Latvian already from the first grade.

• Vesti Segodnya: EU will ask Latvia to reduce the number of non-citizens
• Newspapers continue discussions about asking compensations from Russia for damages brought by the Soviet regime in Latvia
• Interview with the chairman of the Association of Russian Organisations in Latvia Mihails Gavrilovs about Russians in Latvia
• Latvijas Avize reports on the brochure ‘Ethnocentrism: Latvian version
• European Human Rights Network will provide training for young people in human rights
• Telegraf features an interview with the Estonian Minister of Education and Research Toivo Maimets

Newspapers report on the visit of José Manuel Barroso, President designate of the European Commission, to Latvia.

Newspapers report on the visit of José Manuel Barroso, President designate of the European Commission, to Latvia. Vesti Segodnya writes that José Manuel Barroso will meet with the Latvian Prime Minister Indulis Emsis and will discuss a number of issues concerning Latvias forthcoming accession to the Schengen zone. As reported by Vesti Segodnya, the big number of non-citizens will be one of the main topics of their discussions. The newspaper reports that officials of the European Commission are developing requirements for 10 new member states. Latvia will be asked to reduce the number of people with ‘unclear status before its joining to the Schengen zone. The member of the European Parliament Tatjana Zdanoka confirms the information and believes that the ‘zero citizenship option or serious promotion of naturalisation procedure are the only possible solutions to the situation.

Newspapers continue discussion about a possibility to ask Russia to compensate damages brought by the Soviet regime in Latvia.

Newspapers continue discussion about a possibility to ask Russia to compensate damages brought by the Soviet regime in Latvia. Diena prints an article by the Professor of International Law Ineta Ziemele about international legal mechanisms which Latvia could use in the process. Ineta Ziemele notes that in Europe there is a lack of detailed information and juridical analyses about repressions against residents of the Baltic States in the political circulation. Hence any discussions or activities regarding demands towards Russia should be started with defining illegitimacy of occupation and presenting such evidences, which are recognised by international law. Rigas Balss prints a statements of historians. Majority of them support the opinion of the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga that people should apply to international courts to ask compensation from Russia for their forced labour in the Soviet regime. Historian Henriks Strods stresses that it is very difficult to collect all necessary documents, because a part of them are in Moscow and their content is confidential. Diena, Rigas Balss

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Chairman of the Association of Russian Organisations in Latvia Mihails Gavrilovs. The organisation is an umbrella organisation for 23 Russian cultural organisations. Mihails Gavrilovs states that his organisation is boycotted from the part of the Russian-language press, Headquarters and so-called Russian community because his organisations views differ from their views. The main difference is that Gavrilovs organisation is for Russians and not Russian-speakers. He believes that Russians have completely different mentality in comparison to Russian –speakers, who are Soviet people and not interested either in their ethnic roots or Russian culture. Mihails Gavrilovs also believes that material interests prevail in the Russian-speaker community.

Latvijas Avize reports on the brochure, written by the historian and the board member of the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia Viktors Guscins ‘Ethnocentrism: Latvian version. The author does not recognise Latvias occupation and says that speculations with this term are ‘massive propaganda thesis, which brings problems in the area of social integration. According to Viktors Guscins, the regime of Latvia has developed legislation, which goal is not only the prohibition for non-Latvians to participate in state administration on equal grounds, but also their forcible assimilations. The author stresses that the previous ethnic policy ‘has led the state to the crisis in the ethnic relationships (…), to the edge behind which bloody ethnic conflict becomes real. The policy creates objective conditions for transformation of the existing two-community society into a two-community (…) state (…). Viktors Guscins states that the formation of a democratic regime in Latvia is possible if only institute of non-citizens is discontinued.

The European Human Rights Network is planning to implement a project

The European Human Rights Network is planning to implement a project Report on Human Rights, the goal of which is to provide training to 20 young people in human rights and develop their skills in journalism, public relations and organisation of public events. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Telegraf features an interview with the Estonian Minister of Education and Research Toivo Maimets about the forthcoming implementation of the education reform in Estonia. According to Toivo Maimets, the education reform of Estonia differs from the Latvian education reform because Estonian legislation does not stipulate the exact date when the reform should be completed. Besides, Estonian legislation also stipulates a possibility for parents, students, teachers or municipality to apply to the government and ask a permit to study in non-Estonian.

• Head of the Saeima Social Integration Subcommittee Andris Berzins talks about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• Russian language newspapers report on the meeting of the Board of the NGO United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia
• Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry issues a statement about the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia
• Russian language newspapers continue discussions on a possibility to ask Russia to compensate damages brought by the soviet regime in Latvia
• Central Statistical Bureau information about ethnic proportions in Latvia in 2003

Vesti Segodnya prints an interview with the head of Saeima Social Integration Subcommittee Andris Berzins about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The MP does not want to forecast a possible date of ratification and stresses that there is a necessity to achieve a consensus among all society members regarding the need to ratify the document. According to Andris Berzins, one part of society regards the Convention as an instrument, which would be used for oppression of a titular nation, while others believe that it would provide additional rights and obligations.

Russian language newspapers report on the meeting of the Board of the NGO United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia (OKROL). The Board issued a statement addressing the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis and President of Latvia Vaira Vike Freiberga. The statement criticises suspension of the work on the Law on Minority Schools. The authors of the statement believe that the current situation shows that ‘all statements about the law as a compromise, possible solution to the conflict and beginning of the dialogue [with ethnic minorities] are lies, attempting to  diminish protest waves against the education reform on 1 September.’  The representatives of the OKROL have asked officials to start immediately a dialogue with organisations and parties, which are true representatives of the interests of the Russian community. Newspapers also report that three regional organisations of the OKROL have been formed in Liepaja, Jelgava and Rezekne last month.  

Russian language newspapers report on the meeting of the Board of the NGO United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia (OKROL). The Board issued a statement addressing the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis and President of Latvia Vaira Vike Freiberga. The statement criticises suspension of the work on the Law on Minority Schools. The authors of the statement believe that the current situation shows that ‘all statements about the law as a compromise, possible solution to the conflict and beginning of the dialogue [with ethnic minorities] are lies, attempting to diminish protest waves against the education reform on 1 September. The representatives of the OKROL have asked officials to start immediately a dialogue with organisations and parties, which are true representatives of the interests of the Russian community. Newspapers also report that three regional organisations of the OKROL have been formed in Liepaja, Jelgava and Rezekne last month. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Referring to the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia, the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement, repeatedly calling representatives of international organisations to get involved in building dialogue between Latvian authorities and the Russian community.

Referring to the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia, the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement, repeatedly calling representatives of international organisations to get involved in building dialogue between Latvian authorities and the Russian community. Latvijas Avize

Russian language newspapers continue discussions on possibility to ask Russia to compensate detriments caused by the Soviet regime in Latvia. Last week the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga called lawyers and historians to collect information on the damages brought by the Soviet regime during Latvia’s occupation so Latvia could apply with court and ask Russia for compensation. Newspapers feature opinions of Russian state officials and Russian and Latvian experts in international affairs. The Latvian political analyst Mihails Rodins believes that the recent statements of state officials are their public relation campaign and their goal is to unite a Latvian part of society. The Director of the Russia Institute for Strategic Studies Sergey Oznobishev states that if Russia takes decision to pay compensations to all  victims of the Stalin’s regime repressions, then, first of all, the decision would apply to Russian citizens. The Expert of International Affairs Martins Mits states that it is not possible to submit a collective claim to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and hence all persons, who have suffered from repressions, have to apply with the Court on individual basis. Martins Mits also points to the case of the Slivenko family, when the ECHR diplomatically avoided discussions on Latvia’s occupation.

Russian language newspapers continue discussions on possibility to ask Russia to compensate detriments caused by the Soviet regime in Latvia. Last week the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga called lawyers and historians to collect information on the damages brought by the Soviet regime during Latvias occupation so Latvia could apply with court and ask Russia for compensation. Newspapers feature opinions of Russian state officials and Russian and Latvian experts in international affairs. The Latvian political analyst Mihails Rodins believes that the recent statements of state officials are their public relation campaign and their goal is to unite a Latvian part of society. The Director of the Russia Institute for Strategic Studies Sergey Oznobishev states that if Russia takes decision to pay compensations to all victims of the Stalins regime repressions, then, first of all, the decision would apply to Russian citizens. The Expert of International Affairs Martins Mits states that it is not possible to submit a collective claim to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and hence all persons, who have suffered from repressions, have to apply with the Court on individual basis. Martins Mits also points to the case of the Slivenko family, when the ECHR diplomatically avoided discussions on Latvias occupation. Telegraf features an interview with the Head of the Russian State Councils International Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosatchev about the issue. Vesti Segodnya

According to the information of the Central Statistical Bureau, in 2003 58,6% of approximately 2,319,000 residents of Latvia were Latvians, while Russians constituted 28,8% of the population. Other largest ethnic minorities of Latvia were Belorussians – 4%, Ukrainians and Poles (each approximately 2,5%). There are also approximately 32,000 Lithuanians, 9,930 Jews, 3,704 Germans, 2,554 Estonians and more that 27,000 representatives of other ethnic minorities living in Latvia. 14% of all marriages, registered last year, were between Latvians and Russians.

According to the information of the Central Statistical Bureau, in 2003 58,6% of approximately 2,319,000 residents of Latvia were Latvians, while Russians constituted 28,8% of the population. Other largest ethnic minorities of Latvia were Belorussians – 4%, Ukrainians and Poles (each approximately 2,5%). There are also approximately 32,000 Lithuanians, 9,930 Jews, 3,704 Germans, 2,554 Estonians and more that 27,000 representatives of other ethnic minorities living in Latvia. 14% of all marriages, registered last year, were between Latvians and Russians. Vesti Segodnya, Chas