Kapitals article 'solicits hatred'

RIGA - A cover story entitled "Jews Rule the World" in the August edition of the popular business monthly Kapitals has drawn wide criticism in Riga's Jewish community and prompted an investigation by Latvian law enforcement authorities.

The magazine's cover shows a rabbi dressed in a gray suit, gold watch, gold hoop earring, gold cuff links clasping the globe in his arms.

"It's an extremely offensive picture," said Grigorijs Krupnikovs, co-chair of the Riga Jewish Community.

The article, written by Normunds Lisovskis, suggests that Jews brought the Holocaust upon themselves, claims which are anti-Semitic, "to put it very mildly," said Krupnikovs.

Guntis Rozenbergs, who resigned as Kapitals' editor soon after the article appeared, says his mistake was not anticipating the offense the article would cause, but added he did not understand why people were upset.

"I didn't foresee such a reaction," he said. "In my experience there is no anti-Semitism in Latvia. So many people were offended. You must ask them why."

The article was condemned by top government officials as well as the embassies of Israel and the United States.

Rozenbergs resigned when complaints began on Aug. 3, the date of publication, and has also been dismissed from a post at Radio Free Europe, the news agency LETA reported.

Latvian businessman Sol Bukingolts is one of those who took offense. He agreed to be interviewed about his success for the article. "I am extremely upset and disappointed," he said.

Among other things the article suggests Latvian Jews are cheats, which Bukingolts didn't expect.

"I was told it would be about Jewish businesses in Latvia," he said. "It sounded positive. We all have to be proud of our contribution. The sections about the Holocaust are appalling."

Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins asked the prosecutor's office to examine the article, LETA news service reported.

"I do believe and hope they'll make an adequate decision," said Krupnikovs.

But as a method of preventing racism, legal action against the press may be counter-productive, said Fiona Harrison of Article 19, a London-based pressure group concerned with press freedom.

"The only way to combat such views is by more speech," she said. "Straight statements or advocacy of dislike directed against any group would be acceptable by us.

"If these views are suppressed, they don't go away."

The Latvian government is committed to promoting good relations between Jews and non-Jews, believes Krupnikovs, despite the fact that Konrads Kalejs, suspected of a leading role in a World War II death squad, has yet to be extradited from Australia to face charges in Latvia.

"The state has shown its political willingness," said Krupnikovs.