Latvia
Latvia regularly reports hate crime data to ODIHR. Latvia's criminal code contains a general penalty enhancement. Data reported to ODIHR also include offences of incitement to hatred. Data are collected by the Ministry of Interior, law enforcement agencies, the Department of Analysis and Management of the Prosecutor General's Office, the Courts Administration unit of the Ministry of Justice and the Security Police of the Republic of Latvia. Data are not made publicly available.
OFFICIAL DATA
| Year | Hate crimes recorded by police | Prosecuted | Sentenced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| 2019 | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| 2018 | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| 2017 | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| 2016 | 11 | 7 | 0 |
| 2015 | 11 | 1 | 5 |
| 2014 | 13 | 7 | 9 |
| 2013 | 22 | 0 | Not available |
| 2012 | 18 | 2 | 2 |
| 2011 | 12 | 1 | 2 |
| 2010 | 7 | 4 | 5 |
| 2009 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
INCIDENTS REPORTED BY OTHER SOURCES
INTERNATIONAL REPORTS
Racist and xenophobic hate crime, Anti-LGBTI hate crime
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) published relevant recommendations in its "Conclusions on the implementation of the recommendations in respect of Latvia subject to interim follow-up".
KEY OBSERVATION
ODIHR observes that Latvia has not reported information and statistics on hate crimes to ODIHR since 2016. In addition, ODIHR observes that Latvia would benefit from raising the awareness and building the capacity of criminal justice officials in relation to hate crimes.
ODIHR recalls that in the Ministerial Council Decision 9/09, participating States have committed to periodically reporting reliable information and statistics on hate crimes to ODIHR. In the Ministerial Council Decision 9/09, participating States have also committed to introducing or further developing professional training and capacity-building activities for law-enforcement, prosecution and judicial officials dealing with hate crimes. ODIHR stands ready to support Latvia in meeting its relevant commitments through the provision of comprehensive resources and tailored assistance in the area of hate crime recording and data collection, as well as further resources and capacity building assistance for its police, prosecution, and judiciary.