Tumule J., Kamenska A. & Hirša A. (2023), Hate speech in Latvia - trends and challenges (Naida runa Latvijā - tendences un izaicinājumi).

Country

Latvia

Title

Tumule J., Kamenska A. & Hirša A. (2023), Hate speech in Latvia - trends and challenges (Naida runa Latvijā - tendences un izaicinājumi).

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Year

2023

Publication type

Research evidence/report

Geographical coverage

National

Area/location of interest

Not applicable - national level

Type of Institution

Civil Society Organisation

Institution

Latvia, Latvian Centre for Human Rights (Latvijas Cilvēktiesību centrs)

Thematic focus

Hate speech: Public incitement to hatred or violence

Groups

General population

Key findings

18% of hate speech online between January 2021 and November 2023 was xenophobic, 2% anti-religious. Xenophobic hate speech often is simultaneously directed at different groups, including Muslims, and linked to conspiracy theories on arrival of immigrants from countries where the majority of the population practices Islam being linked to the aim to exterminate Europeans. Hate speech based on religious beliefs is mostly directed against Muslims and interspersed with xenophobia, as it mostly targets immigrants and asylum seekers from countries where the majority of the population practices Islam.

Methodology (Qualitative/Quantitative and exact type used, questionnaires etc)

Quantitative and qualitative research: analysis of reports, studies, legal frameworks, statistics and other documents as well as monitoring hate speech on the internet

Sample details and representativeness

Hate speech was monitored on major social networks and news portals between January 2021 and November 2023

DISCLAIMERThe information presented here is collected under contract by the FRA's research network FRANET. The information and views contained do not necessarily reflect the views or the official position of the FRA.