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.

• Riga Regional Court started a trial on skinheads on attack on two Roma girls and Armenian couple
• Government liquidated the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration
• President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers: Russian schools will not be closed

Yesterday, the Riga Regional Court started a trial on skinheads on attack on two Roma girls and Armenian couple in October 2007. The accused skinheads argue that they confess the attack on Roma girls, however, they did it because representatives of Roma minority selling drugs. Mothers of the victim girls claim LVL 10,000 (EUR 14,200) as compensation of physical and moral damage from each accused. The Court decided to take a break on case so the accused persons could study the case more accurate and possibly to agree on lower compensations. Next trial session will be in 9 February 2009.

Yesterday, the Riga Regional Court started atrial on skinheads on attack on two Roma girls and Armenian couple in October 2007. The accused skinheads argue that they confess the attack on Roma girls, however, they did it because representatives of Roma minority selling drugs. Mothers of the victim girls claim LVL 10,000 (EUR 14,200) as compensation of physical and moral damage from each accused. The Court decided to take a break on case so the accused persons could study the case more accurate and possibly to agree on lower compensations. Next trial session will be in 9 February 2009. Chas, Latvijas Avize

Yesterday, the Cabinet of Ministers approved amendments to the Regulations of the Ministry of Children and Family Affairs to overtake duties of the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration. 

Yesterday, the Cabinet of Ministers approved amendments to the Regulations of the Ministry of Children and Family Affairs to overtake duties of the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration.Telegraf

The President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers while visiting Riga’s Secondary school Nr. 40 said that Russian schools will not be closed. Purpose of the visit was to meet school students and teachers.

The President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers while visiting Rigas Secondary school Nr. 40 said that Russian schools will not be closed. Purpose of the visit was to meet school students and teachers. Vesti Segodnya