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Lithuanian media watchdog considers banning another Russian TV channel

Xinhua, June 11, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Radio and Television Commission of Lithuania, Lithuania's broadcasting watchdog, revealed on Wednesday it may soon place restrictions on broadcasts of another Russian TV channel due to violations.

Edmundas Vaitiekunas, chairman of the Commission, said in a press conference on Wednesday they gathered enough findings and is now implementing procedures to make a final decision on possible suspension of broadcasts.

"Since violations continue, one can be considered to temporarily stop rebroadcast of this channel," Vaitiekunas was quoted as saying in the press conference by news website vz.lt.

Although Vaitiekunas revealed this is a Russian TV channel, he didn't disclose the name.

"A non-answer is also an answer," the chairman told BNS news agency, when asked whether it could be NTV Mir Lithuania, a Russian TV channel broadcast by a British company.

The final decision on a possible ban is due in the coming weeks, since Lithuanian legislation allows 15 days to find an agreement with the Commission, according to Vaitiekunas.

"This deadline expires on June 20," said the chairman.

It would be the second Russian TV channel temporarily banned in Lithuania.

The watchdog blocked for three months broadcasts by Russian TV channel RTR Planeta for allegedly inciting hatred over Ukraine. It was the first ban on Russian TV channel in the EU. The restrictions placed on RTR Planeta will expire in July.

The Radio and Television Commission of Lithuanian will gain more powers as of Oct. 1 when the amendments of the Law on Provision and Information to the Public come into force.

Lithuania has recently tightened the law amid its increasing efforts to fight propaganda and disinformation. Endit