Integration and Minority Information Service: newsletter of 10 February 2009

Security Police: right and left wing extremists might become more active after 13 January events

On Thursday, the Saeima will finally decide the status of Orthodox Christmas

According to a representative of the Security Police, right and left wing extremists might become more active because after anti-governmental demonstration and mass clashes of 13 January in Riga the society has new boundaries for radical expressions. The Security Police is also cautious about traditionally “hot days” – 16 March (unofficial commemoration day of Latvian Waffen SS legionnaires) and 9 May (Victory day) when various radical groupings might provoke confrontations. Diena

Telegraf reports that on Thursday, the Saeima in the third and final reading will review draft amendments to the Law on Public Holidays which stipulate granting Orthodox Christmas (6 and 7 January) the status of public holiday. However, it is not clear yet whether Orthodox Christmas will be a bank holiday (as it was supported in the second reading) or just a holiday. According to the newspaper, the Ministry of Finances does not object to two extra bank holidays.

For further information:

Latvian Centre for Human Rights