Latvia: Information on the Iserges (Defenders) since 1990, and whether redress is available from authorities to those who are abused by Iserge members
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 December 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | LVA18994.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Latvia: Information on the Iserges (Defenders) since 1990, and whether redress is available from authorities to those who are abused by Iserge members, 1 December 1994, LVA18994.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac3ac.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
For information on the Iserges since 1990, please consult Response to Information Request LVA18031.F of 3 August 1994.
In a telephone interview on 22 December 1994, a specialist in the non-Russian peoples of the former Soviet Union at the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, provided the following information. There have been rumours that the Iserges were harassing and intimidating people, but the source added that he has no way of knowing the truthfulness of these rumours. The intent of the legal system is to protect all citizens from harm and to provide redress, and there is a "very good set of laws" on protection. However, the ability to enforce protection and prosecute offenders may be inadequate. The court and police systems are only rudimentarily developed and may be insufficient for law enforcement.
In a telephone interview on 22 December 1994, a representative of the Toronto-based Latvian National Association of Canada, a nongovernmental, nonpartisan umbrella group, provided the following information. The representative believed that the group's name is "Aizargs," and he characterized it as an extreme right wing organization that numbered in the hundreds. Although its members wear uniforms, they are not armed. The representative had not heard of any instances of the group victimizing people. He stated that the group was a nuisance factor, but that it was potentially dangerous and should be monitored.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB 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
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Washington. 22 December 1994. Telephone interview with specialist.
Latvian National Federation of Canada, Toronto. 22 December 1994. Telephone interview with representative.
