Resource Information Center: Latvia
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Latvia
| Response to Information Request Number: | LVA98001.zny |
| Date: | 23 June 1998 |
| Subject: | Latvia: Information On The Treatment Of Journalists Uncovering Human Rights Abuses By The Government |
| From: | INS Resource Information Center, Washington, DC |
| Keywords: | Latvia / Journalists / Human Rights Violations |
Query:
Do journalists in Latvia who uncover human rights abuses by the Latvian government face any dangers resulting from their reporting?
Response:
According to the Program Coordinator for Central Europe and the Former Soviet Republics of the Committee to Protect Journalists, there are few reports of any abuses by the government against journalists covering human rights violations in Latvia. However, there are libel laws which have been used in the past by officials to shield themselves from critical reporting (CPJ 12 June 1998). There have been cases of journalists prosecuted for "inciting national hatred" when articles address the tenuous relations between Latvians and Russians within the country (Riga Radio 26 Nov. 1997). Reports of mistreatment could not be found in other sources consulted by the RIC.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the RIC within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References:
Lapychek, Christina. Program Coordinator for Central Europe and the Former Soviet Republics, Committee to Protect Journalists. New York, New York. 12 June 1998. Telephone interview.
Riga Radio [Riga, in Latvian]. 26 November 1997. "Latvia: Russian Journalist Accused of Inciting National Hatred." (FBIS-SOV-97-334 30 November 1997/WNC).
Attachments:
Riga Radio [Riga, in Latvian]. 26 November 1997. "Latvia: Russian Journalist Accused of Inciting National Hatred." (FBIS-SOV-97-334 30 November 1997/WNC).