Avtoradio closed down for extremism

The radio station comments on the situation:

“Avtoradio aired agitation materials of presidential candidates Sannikov and Nyaklyaeu during the presidential election campaign. The airing was agreed upon by economic contracts and was held in the following terms: 15-17 December, 2010 – agitation materials of Sannikov, 9-17 December, 2010 – agitation materials of Nyaklyaeu.”

Avtoradio didn’t receive any complaints from the Central Election Commission in the period of airing the agitation materials. The Ministry of Information didn’t send any written warnings, the radio station says.

On January 12, 2011, the radio station received an instruction of the Belarusian State Telecommunication Inspection informing about “termination of permit to use radio frequency spectrum and prohibition to use radioelectronic facilities”.

“The right of Avtoradio to terrestrial radio broadcasting is annulled by a decision of the commission because Avtoradio failed to adhere to its creative concept and aired information containing public calls to extremist activity. The ruling doesn’t contain the exact information regarding the failure to follow the concept and how the appeals were expressed. Sannikov’s agitation materials contained a phrase “the future of the country is defined not in the kitchen, but on the square,” Avtoradio said.

Avtoradio will appeal through courts against the decision of the commission.