Comment on banning RTR-Planeta broadcasts in Lithuania

Submitted on Wed, 04/08/2015 - 22:00

Comment by the Information and Press Department on banning RTR-Planeta broadcasts in Lithuania

Several days ago, the Radio and Television Commission of Lithuania made an unprecedented decision for EU media space. This politically motivated decision aims to ban broadcasts of Russia’s RTR-Planeta television channel for three months.

An extremely dangerous situation involving the use of repressive pressure tactics against media outlets and the persecution of journalists has developed in Lithuania. Complete political censorship, which is incompatible with the ideals of a democratic state, is taking place in the country. In our opinion, this situation calls for a prompt public response from Brussels and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. Obviously, Vilnius is rudely violating Lithuania’s international obligations in the area of freedom of speech and the provision of access to information.

April 9, 2015