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.

• Latvian Institute: Latvia needs to use Russian language in communication in order to oppose Russia’s propaganda
• “Anti-fascist” organisations complain about pressure of the Security Police
• Saeima’s Citizenship, Migration and Society Consolidation Committee decided to issue the official statement about observance of mutual respect on 16 March

Director of the Latvian Institute Karina Petersone during conversation with the EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sports stated that Latvia needs to use Russian language in communication in order to oppose Russia’s propaganda. The Latvian Institute will try to persuade Latvian authorities in it. Vesti Segodnya

According to Vesti Segodnya, the Security Police started efforts to discredit different Russian-speaking NGOs and human rights defenders; their leaders and activists are labelled “hostile forces endangering national security.” Leaders of self-declared “anti-fascist” organisations “Latvia without Nazism” and Latvian Anti-fascists Committee in Latvia appealed to the President Andris Berzins, Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma, head of the Security Police Normunds Mezvietis, and the Human Rights Commissioner of the Council of Europe Nils Muiznieks asking to protect them from pressure of the Security Police. Vesti Segodnya

The Saeima’s Citizenship, Migration and Society Consolidation Committee decided to issue the official statement about observance of mutual respect on 16 March. The aim of the statement would be to call upon Latvian residents, politicians, and journalists to avoid hot debates about the meaning of this day and observe mutual respect. 16 March is unofficial commemoration day of Latvian Waffen SS legionnaires when traditionally former legionnaires and their supporters hold a commemorative events and procession in the centre of Riga and other places. The procession usually is accompanied by loud protests of so-called anti-fascists.