Minority issues in Latvia, No. 76
November 1, 2003
Content
- Latvian observer in the European Parliament withwdrawn for speaking out on the situation
of minorities in Latvia
- EU-Russia partnership: Latvia's minority policy as the hurdle
- Education reform 2004: protests continue, still no dialogue
- News of legislation: Non-Citizens' law tightened, ratification of 12th Protocol to ECHR rejected
- EP elections: will lustration be kept?
- Anti-Semitic speech not to be prosecuted?
- Citizenship Law to be made more beneficial for children
- Newly elected National Council on Radio and Television: minority-free again
- Language quotas for private broadcasting: ever ended story?
- Are ethnic Latvians better-off than minorities?
- Conference: bitter truth after 15 years
- Loyalty and ethnicity: different views
- Minority issues in Latvia, No. 75: the follow-up
Latvian observer in the European Parliament withwdrawn for speaking
out on the situation of minorities in Latvia
We already reported that Latvian observer Martiyans Bekasovs in the European
Parliament (GUE/UEL group) distributed information concerning the situation
of minorities in Latvia. On October 30, under request of ten MPs from the
right-wing parties the Saeima (Parliament) decided to expel Mr Bekasovs from
the observer delegation. 64 MPs voted for, 22 - against, and 3 abstained.
One of the MPs, who have launched the attack on Bekasovs, chair of the
parliamentary commission on education, science and culture Janis Strazdins
(Union of Greens and Farmers) argued, that there was a massive campaign in
order to harm the image of Latvia. "The constant complaints about Latvia
violating human rights and forced assimilation of Russian-speaking population
have no ground and do not reflect the real situation", Mr Strazdins said
("Chas" ("The Hour"), October 24). The main reason for the attack on Bekasovs
was based on the information provided by him that non-citizens cannot find
a job because of poor knowledge of the state language, and have no money for
language courses. Right-wing MPs claim that this is not true.
During the debates representatives of pro-minority opposition pointed out that
withdrawal of Bekasov for providing information is in breach with the freedom
of expression and would mean a new scandal for Latvia. Nevertheless, MP Peteris
Tabuns (nationalistic ruling party "For Fatherland and Freedom"/LNNK) said that
"the people like Bekasovs disgrace Latvia abroad and cannot represent the
country". He also suggested to withdraw another one pro-minority observer -
Boris Tsilevich (the People's Harmony Party, PES group) ("Vesti Segodnya" ("The
News Today"), October 31). Mr Bekasovs is going to appeal his withdrawal in the
Constitutional Court, as well as to inform the European Parliament about the situation.
Our commentary
In our view, one could hardly use judicial measures in such a situation. Formally,
it is the competence of national parliament to appoint and withdraw its observers.
However, the very idea of parliamentary democracy implies representation of different
views, and normally delegations in international parliamentary assemblies are
compiled on the basis of proportional representation of all political forces in
national parliament. The argument would be legitimate if Mr Bekasovs is a civil
servant, but he is an elected representative and expresses views and interests of
his constituency.
The event reminds us recent Soviet past. People, who dared to express dissenting
opinion, also had no chance "to represent the country abroad" then. One has to
conlcude that all people in Latvia are expected to express only one view, endorsed
by the government, otherwise they will be labelled enemies, ordered to shut up, and
punished.
EU-Russia partnership: Latvia's minority policy as the hurdle
On October 14, the State Duma (Parliament) of the Russian Federation adopted
a statement on violations of human rights and minority rights in Latvia. Several
problems are touched upon in the statement, uncluding a big number of non-citizens
and status of the Russian language as foreign language. According to Russian MPs,
the state programme "Society Integration in Latvia" is aimed at assimilation of
persons belonging to minorities against their will ("Vesti Segodnya" ("The News
Today"), October 15). The Duma even suggests the government of Russia to exclude
Latvia from the Co-operation and Partnership Agreement with the EU.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia Sandra Kalniete met the EU Commissioner
on Enlargement GШnter Verheugen on October 16. The statement of the Duma was
discussed. As reported by Latvian-language media, Mr Verheugen mentioned that the
statement was ill-founded, the EU recognises that Latvia meets all the criteria in the
field of human rights, and this opinion has not changed (official newspaper "Latvijas
Vestnesis" ("The Latvian Herald"), October 17). As regards partnership with Russia,
he pointed out that Latvia will become a state party to the EU - Russia agreements
automatically.
Our commentary
We already mentioned in the previous issue of our newsletter (see Minority issues
in Latvia, No. 75) that there is a risk of creating different standards in perception
of minority related policy of Latvia by the European Union and the Council of Europe.
Although we take into account pre-election campaign in Russia, one cannot but notice
certain similarities with the Council of Europe's criticisms and recommendations
addressed to Latvia. It would be unfortunate, to say the least, if the Council of Europe
standards will not apply to the members of the "rich Europe", i.e. the European Union.
Education reform 2004: protests continue, still no dialogue
Protests against the reform for secondary education in minority languages (i.e.
transition to Latvian as the main language of instruction) scheduled for 2004
continue. The Headquarters for the support of the Russian-language schools
organised the next rally, devoted to 5-year anniversary of the Education Law on
October 29. Approximately 300-500 people, mainly youngsters, marched in the centre
of Riga from the building of the Ministry of Education and Science to the Saeima
(Parliament) and the Riga Castle - residence of the President. They protested
against the reform. Near the Riga Castle, a scarecrow dressed as a Ku Klux Klan
member representing the reform was burnt down. Some youngsters were detained
by the police for some time, as it is prohibited to make bonfires in the centre
of Riga ("Chas" ("The Hour"), October 30).
In the meantime, the chair of the Board of the World Federation of Free Latvians
(PBLA - influential association created by Latvian exiles in the West after the WWII)
Janis Kukainis stated that there "fifth column" in Latvia - persons who
"psychologically cannot understand that Latvia will remain an independent state". If
the state supports schools financially, all the subjects (except foreign languages)
are to be taught in the state language. "If they [Russians] want their schools, they
should finance them themselves", Mr Kukainis asserted ("Lauku Avize" ("The Rural
Newspaper"), October 22).
Mayor of one the biggest city Ventspils Aivars Lembergs (considered to be one of the
wealthiest persons in Latvia, and shadow key persons in Latvia's politics) expressed
different point of view. He said that that the reform has had a negative impact on
economic co-operation between Latvia and Russia. According to him, "nationalistic
parties in Latvia and in Russia are the main beneficiaries from the reform". Lembergs
also believes that local governments will not be able to control implementation of the
reform since it was poorly prepared by the state institutions, therefore, it should be
postponed ("Chas", October 23; Integration Monitor, October 23).
The President of Latvia does not share Lembergs' opinion. She believes that Latvia's
and Russia's relations do not depend on minority education policy in Latvia ("Latvijas
Vestnesis" ("The Latvian Herald"), October 24).
One more concern in the field of education in minority languages came to light lately.
Media reported on the situation in the secondary school No. 2 with the Russian language
of instruction in the town of Cesis. This year there were not enough pupils to open the
1st grade there. According to regulations of the Ministry of Education and Science, the
class is to be opened if 18 children will learn there (8 children for rural schools), and the
number of the Russian-speaking children wishing to study in mothertongue appeared
slightly less than 18. Parents feel anxious that in some years the only school with the
Russian language of instruction in the town will be closed, therefore they ask the
Ministry of Education and Science to apply criteria for rural schools in this case
("Vesti Segodnya" ("The News Today"), October 22).
News of legislation: Non-Citizens' law tightened, ratification of 12th Protocol
to ECHR rejected
The Saeima (Parliament) of Latvia adopted amendments to the Law "On the Status of
Former USSR Citizens, Who are not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State" (so-called
Law on Non-Citizens) in the first reading on October 16. The amendments provide that
a non-citizen can be deprived of this legal status, if s/he has received a permanent
residence permit abroad. The current wording contains a similar provision only in
respect of CIS states. If the Saeima adopts the amendments, some non-citizens of
Latvia (mainly living in the Western Europe) could lose a legal link with Latvia and
become "full-fledged" stateless persons (see Minority issues in Latvia, No. 73).
As MP Vladimir Buzayev ("For Human Rights in United Latvia") pointed out, the
amendments mean that Latvia will increase a number of stateless persons in
Western Europe. Although, according to the draft, a person who is deprived of
the non-citizen's status will be entitled to receive the status of a stateless
person, one can receive a document of stateless person issued by Latvia only if
s/he stays in Latvia legally. Therefore, such persons will have to apply for a
status stateless person abroad.
In fact, the amendments are retroactive - even persons, who have received a
permanent residence permit some years ago can be deprived of the non-citizen's
status. Besides, the decision is to be made by administrative authorities; while
a citizen of Latvia can be deprived of his/her citizenship only by court ("Vesti
Segodnya" ("The News Today"), October 17).
On October 16, the Saeima rejected proposals of the pro-minority People's
Harmony Party to ratify Protocols No.12 (prohibition of discrimination) and
No.13 (abolition of the death penalty under any circumstances) to the
European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms. It is revealing that no one mentioned any reason for rejecting
the draft, MPs from the ruling coalition as well as oppositional People's
Party simply silently voted against the bills.
Our commentary
As regards amendments to the Non-Citizens' Law, serious legal problems
arise. In fact, the amendments do not comply with the provisions of the 1961
Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness (ratified by Latvia in May 1990).
Besides, adoption of the amendments could create problems for implementation
of the EU Council Directive concerning the status of third-country nationals
who are long-term residents (to be adopted soon). It might appear that a
non-citizen of Latvia, who receives long-term resident's residence permit, is
deprived of his/her legal status in Latvia and is forced to apply for a stateless
person's document in the country of residence.
As regards the Protocols, we realize that the Protocol No. 12 is ratified by
only 5 member states and has not yet entered into force (10 ratifications
are necessary). However, ratification of the Protocol would be the best
evidence that Latvia, indeed, has no problems with discrimination of
minorities and is not afraid of any kind of monitoring or consideration of
individual complaints by the European Court of Human Rights. Reluctance of
the government to ratify the Protocol, and clear preference given to
propaganda efforts, might make one doubt that the government really believes
in own statements about complete lack of discrimination in Latvia.
In turn, Protocol No.13 was even adopted by the previous Saeima in the first
reading, but the new parliament seems to be reluctant to proceed with its
ratification.
EP elections: will lustration be kept?
The Ministry of Justice has prepared a draft Law on the Elections to the
European Parliament. The draft does not contain political restrictions for
the candidates. Electoral legislation of Latvia provides that persons who
were active in the Communist Party, Komsomol, Interfront, and some veteran
organizations after January 13, 1991, cannot run for both parliamentary
and municipal elections (although these organizations were legislatively
banned only in August 1991 - see corresponding provisions of the
Saeima Election Law).
The newspaper "Lauku Avize" ("The Rural Newspaper") published a
commentary by Maris Antonevics on October 25. The author points out
that some pro-minority candidates, who are not allowed to stand for
the national elections, could participate in the EP elections, in
particular, leader of the "Equal Rights" party, co-chair of the Latvian
Human Rights Committee Tatyana Zhdanok or leader of the Socialist Party,
former leader of Latvian communists Alfreds Rubiks.
The author believes that persons like Tatyana Zhdanok cannot represent
interests of Latvia in the EP, but would just brawl about the violation of
human rights in Latvia. The author states that the activities of Mrs Zhdanok
clearly show her as a person who was against the independence of Latvia in
the late 1980s - early 1990s, and it seems she has learned nothing in the
past 12 years. The newspaper is disappointed by the fact that "she is more
or less widely supported by the so called Russian-speaking, and has a real
chance to win the elections". Her only rival is Boris Tsilevich (the People's
Harmony Party), who is though more liberal, but in fact represents the same
views.
The newspaper believes that decision to extend political restrictions to the
EP elections could be misunderstood in Europe, for the history of Latvia is
very peculiar. However, the newspaper states, "Latvia has its representatives
in Brussels, Strasbourg and other places, who could clarify and explain the
situation".
Our commentary
One can see that the idea of political pluralism is not supported by one of
the biggest Latvian-language newspaper. It is very probable that the same
opinion will be shared by the majority of MPs when the draft law is
considered by the Saeima. However, much will depend on the decision of the
European Court of Human Rights on the case Tatyana Zhdanok v. Latvia
(considered by the ECHR in May 2003, the judgement is not yet announced).
Anti-Semitic speech not to be prosecuted?
We already reported that Minister for Special Assignments for Society
Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks applied to the Prosecutor's General
Office asking to initiate criminal proceedings against journalist of the
newspaper "DDD" Karlis Rebins, who published anti-Semitic articles about
the WWII (see Minority issues in Latvia, No. 70).
However, representative of the Security Police Kristine Apse-Krumina has
informed that the experts "did not discover any signs of the intention to
incite ethnic hatred in the article". It was concluded that "the biggest
part of the insulting information was quoted from other authors and the
main message of the article was the criticism of the foreign policies of
big states". The experts found just one single place in the article where
"the author interprets the vague conclusions of other authors and thus
slightly tangents the history of the Holocaust".
Therefore, the Security Police has declined to start criminal proceedings
against Mr Rebins and Mr Garda, publisher of the newspaper "DDD". In the
last issue of "DDD" there is a notice that the next part of the anti-Semitic
"Zion Wise Men Protocols" is already published ("Telegraf" ("The
Telegraph"), October 20).
Our commentary
We find it highly regrettable that this clear case of anti-Semitic speech
bordering (to say the least) with the Holocaust denial was considered legal
by the Security Police. We hope that this it is not the end of the story, and
that in the end of the day Latvian law enforcement agencies will appear
courageous enough to call spade a spade.
Citizenship Law to be made more beneficial for children
The Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments for Children and
Family Affairs has submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers draft amendments
to the Citizenship Law. The amendments are elaborated in order to make
Latvian citizenship easier available for children.
In particular, the draft provides that the citizenship of Latvia is guaranteed
by request for a child under 15, if:
- one of his/her parents is a citizen, another one is a non-citizen (stateless
person) or not known (currently children of naturalised citizens could be
registered as citizens only if they naturalised together with one of their parents);
- one of his/her parents or adopters is a citizen, another one is a foreign
citizen, if they so decide, or (if they cannot agree) if a child resides in Latvia.
Besides, the amendments concern the order, in which a child of non-citizens
(stateless persons) born after Latvia restored its independence can be
registered as a citizen. There will be no requirements concerning criminal
records of a child any longer. It will be possible to grant citizenship, if one or
both of the parents are deprived of their parents' rights. The amendments could
come into force on July 1, 2004.
Similar amendments were proposed by the faction "For Human Rights in United
Latvia" in May, but were rejected then (see Minority issues in Latvia, No. 69).
The amendments are to be endorsed by the Cabinet and adopted the Saeima.
Newly elected National Council on Radio and Television: minority-free again
The Saeima (Parliament) of Latvia elected new members of the National Council
on Radio and Television on October 2. Two candidates of minority origin were
proposed by the pro-minority opposition, but once again both of them were
rejected. It means that the "tradition" is maintained - no person belonging to the
Russian-speaking minority has ever been elected member of the Council since its
establishment. Apparently, no commentary is needed here, the facts speak for
themselves...
Language quotas for private broadcasting: ever ended story?
It remains to be seen whether the new Council will try to maintain language
restrictions for private broadcasting. Former chair of the Council Ojars
Rubenis suggested to introduce provisions establishing a proportion between
channels broadcasting in different languages, after the Constitutional Court
had declared the language quotas unconstituional (see Minority issues in Latvia,
No. 70). This could mean, for example, that 7 private channels out of 10 in the
region should be licensed to broadcast in Latvian only. According to the new chair
Imants Rakins, the Council will not do this. Rakins informed that a lot of stations
asked for a permit to broadcast more in minority languages since the judgment
had been passed, and the Council has not rejected any application ("Vesti
Segodnya" ("The News Today"), October 24).
Are ethnic Latvians better-off than minorities?
The Russian-language daily "Vesti Segodnya" ("The News Today") has published
results of the survey held by the SKDS centre, which asked the question "What
is the highest rate Latvian banknote you have ever held in your hands?�("Vesti
Segodnya", October 21).
The results of this research have shown a certain ethnic division in this area. For
example, 29,5% of ethnic Latvians held the LVL 500 (approx. EUR 760) banknote.
But among other ethnic groups this percentage is lower - 23,1%.
In a "poorer group" - those who have not held more than LVL 20 (approx. EUR 30)
- the division is as follows: 7% ethnic Latvians and 12,1% non-Latvians.
One can see that ethnic differences are not so notable among the rich people,
but they can be clearer seen among poorer residents of Latvia.
Conference: bitter truth after 15 years
The conference "Post-communist transformation and democratization in Latvia"
took place at the University of Latvia on October 18-19. Estonian and Latvian
humanitarians discussed the results and perspectives of the transition reforms
in the Baltics.
Dr Priit Jarve (Estonia, European Centre for Minority Issues) pointed out the
three problems the society of Latvia had to solve at the same time: economic
reforms, democratization and nation-building. These three problems compete
with each other creating contradictions on such lines as national state vs.
minority rights or economic demands vs. social policies.
MP Boris Tsilevich (the People's Harmony Party) argued that the strategy of
the ethnic domination implemented through "the restored citizenship" concept
has led to the long-term democratic deficit. As the ethnic majority could
use privileges, the competition on the job market was distorted entailing
nepotism, corruption and incompetence. The mistrust and scepticism towards
the government's policy emerged among the Russian-speaking residents of
Latvia.
Political scientist Artis Pabriks (the People's Party) was defending Latvia's
policies. He admitted that the "minority education reform-2004" serves the
political goals. Still, he asserted that there is no ethnic domination in
Latvia since it is not stipulated by any law. In his view, there is a
civilized and liberal democracy in Latvia.
Political scientist Tatyana Bogushevitch (editor of our newsletter) had no
doubt that Latvia is a democracy, but she put the its quality under question.
She believes that the model of ethnic democracy is applicable for the state.
Ms Bogushevitch argued that minorities are excluded from the political life
and that being loyal towards minority is perceived as being disloyal towards
the state in Latvia. On a number of concrete examples, she demonstrated that
minority issues are perceived as a "zero-sum game" by political elite: any
step towards the interests of ethnic minorities is considered to be a
damnification to the ethnic majority. She stressed that multiculturalism is
not going to disappear from Latvia, therefore another political model must
be chosen.
Ethno-psychologist Ilga Apine stated that harsh regulations concerning ethnic
minorities were necessary in the early years of Latvia in order to protect
the interests of the nation-state. She suggested, however, that this period is
over now and that Latvia should start moving from the ethnic democracy "towards
the state patriotism and liberal nationalism" ("Vesti Segodnya" ("The News Today"),
October 21).
Our commentary
We are glad to admit that this event was a long awaited premiere, as for the
first time since the independence was restored, the Russian language was one
of the working languages at the scientific conference on this issue.
It was also the first time that a conference was dedicated to an academic
rather than political debates. This is why the conference managed to attract
people with different political views from both Russian-speaking and ethnic
Latvian intelligentsia.
Loyalty and ethnicity: different views
Public policy portal politika.lv has published an article by political scientist
Dr Artis Pabriks "Ethnic minority organizations: stable ground for foreign policy
bridge or fifth column"). Dr Pabriks' main idea is that state should engage in the
formation of ethnic minority organizations, loyal to Latvian state and furthering its
policy, thus neutralizing activities of "fifth columns", financed by ethnic homeland.
Speaking specifically about Russia, he reminds of Karaganov's concept on Russia's
policy towards ex-USSR states published as early as 1992 and well publicized in
Latvia. Its main goal was using ethnic minorities for success of own foreign policy
goals. Russia's policy towards the Russian-speakers and Latvians of Russian descent
in Latvia reminds Pabriks of Nazi Germany policy towards Baltic Germans after 1933.
According to him, Weimar Germany was very good at division of foreign policy and
ethnic sympathies, confronting Baltic German conservatives in Baltic states. Nazi
Germany had declared that German minorities were a part of the Volk, galvanizing
minority and making relations unbearable, resulting in zero-sum game for both sides.
In the article "Political culture in Latvia: open or closed concept") Dr Denis Hanov
(Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Affairs)
advocates modification of the concept of Latvian nation, moving to more open concept.
Dr Hanov notes, that Latvian political elite does not like talks about openness of
Latvian ethnic group, relying on exclusivist conception made as early as the end of
1980-ies. Exclusivism and relying on the Latvian language as ideal linguistically
sterile construct is not the answer in the age of multicultural Europe. Latvia had
not yet met real cultural and racial diversity present in every European state. Latvian
emphasis on ethnic concept of citizenry is outdated, as European states changed their
own perception of citizenry, including existing multiculturality in the concept of
citizen without losing ethnic identity. Thus, the author states, that Latvian ethnic
identity is not isolated from foreign policy and should be revised and updated.
Second, this makes to revise traditional image of Latvian culture, abandoning
linguistic purism, supporting popularizing Latvian language en masse, allowing
existence of accents, created through electronic media, furthering linguistic
tolerance. According to Dr Hanov, NGO sector should promote the Latvian language,
expansion of the Latvian language in all spheres of life with inclusion of ethnic
minorities in development of the language should be promoted. Third, ethnic groups,
both agreeing and disagreeing with policy of the state, should be engaged into state
policy via different mechanisms to strengthen legitimacy of actions by Latvian
political elite.
Editor of Latvian public TV Ilmars Latkovskis writes in his article in the daily
"Diena" ("The Day", October 25) about ethnic relations in Latvia. According to him,
ethnic relations in Latvia is the problem for Latvians first of all, because they
do not understand what they want. He sees Russians as furthering policy of two
community state and representation in the state institutions to influence
ethnopolitics. These are the secret aims, while the open ones are staying in Latvia,
promotion of the Russian language and the rights of non-citizens. Latvians do
politically correctly speak of naturalization and integration of non-citizens, but
are afraid of this in reality, because naturalization and integration are not
synonimes. Author believes the problem is the lack of pragmatic ethnic policy in
Latvia, while "divisio et impero" principle is not working. This makes Russians, 29%
in Latvia, act as a half of the population and integrate into their ranks other
ethnic minorities, which are among the most active supporters of Russians.
Minority issues in Latvia, No. 75: the follow-up
We published information about the judgment of the European Court of Human
Rights in the case Slivenko v. Latvia in the previous issue (see Minority issues
in Latvia, No. 75). In our commentary we mentioned that Latvian-language
newspapers wrote that ECHR recognised that Latvia was occupied by the Soviet
Union in 1940, although the term "occupation" itself was used only by judge
Maruste from Estonia in his dissenting opinion.
Mr Philippe Merlin (Deputy to the Permanent Representative of France to the
Council of Europe, formerly worked in the Embassy of France in Latvia) has
written to us, stating that the court has acknowledged that the Republic of
Latvia that existed before June 1940 and was internationally recognised at
that time (including by the USSR), has re-established its sovereignty in 1991,
what can be interpreted as recognition that between 1940 and 1991 this state
was not allowed to exercise its sovereignty (this being also, by the way, the
position adopted by many foreign countries). Besides, in its judgement in
Jasiuniene v. Lithuania (June 6, 2003), the court did use the wording of "Soviet
occupation of Lithuania", which, one may assume, would similarly apply to all
three Baltic states. The conclusion might have been drawn from the above that
the court has no qualms in qualifying as an "occupation" the situation of Baltics
states prior to 1991, Mr Merlin believes.
We thank Mr Merlin for his letter and welcome any further feedback on our
publications from our subscribers. It was definitely not our intention to
prove that ECHR denies the occupation of the Baltics. Rather, we pointed
out that in fact the issue of occupation of Latvia was not discussed as a
matter of priority in the case Slivenko v. Latvia, but Latvian-language
media demonstrated that the state has obtained recognition of occupation.
Thus, our concern was about (unfortunately, quite common) shift of focus in
Latvian media's report on the views expressed by international bodies.
Frankly speaking, we believe that evaluation of situation in 1940 was not
significant in the case at all. Regardless of all tragic events and crimes
perpetrated by the Soviet regime in the past, nowadays the Republic of
Latvia ought to fully implement all human rights obligations, and the
fact of occupation cannot be used as an excuse for violating anyone's rights.
Representative of the Cabinet of Ministers in international human rights
institutions Inga Reine, in fact, shares this view (see her article about
the case at www.politika.lv). We are ready to continue discussion on any
issue raised in our newsletter in future.
Besides, we are glad to inform that a conflict between schoolchildren and
their teacher of the Latvian language in the Riga secondary school No. 63,
reported in Minority issues in Latvia, No. 75), is over. In fact, there were mainly
pedagogical rather than ethnic reasons for the conflict. Under mediation of the
National Human Rights Office the schoolchildren have apologised, and the teacher
has accepted apologies.
Compiled by:
Tatyana Bogushevitch
Yuri Dubrovsky
Alyona Babitch
Alexander Kiselyov
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